Imagine the whole universe, the most intricate, interconnected multi-dimensional dynamics from the wonderous galaxies to the delicate microscopic lifegiving cells, from the most colorful beautiful flowers to the majestic fortified mountains, all squashed into a flat line.
Tonight starts the 8th of Tevet that marks the translation of the Torah (the Five Books of Moshe), and not the whole Hebrew Bible (TANAKH) as is commonly believed, from Hebrew into Greek. So why the fuss?
As most of you know already, each Hebrew letter is a world in itself. It is not only a written symbol, but it encompasses a certain essence of Creation. That's why Hashem created the World (Universe) with the Hebrew Letters. It is the DNA of creation, if you may, and till today it "vibrates" on the same frequencies of Creation.
Now, just like DNA, the Hebrew letters are building blocks. The basic structure is the three-letter root combinations that all Hebrew words in the Bible are made up of. So, by putting them together, universes are created. Putting words into sentences, G-d created a multi-dimensional Universe that corresponds and is intertwined with Creation.
The TANAKH falls out into four levels, Pshat (simple), Remez (hints), Drash (extrapolation) and Sod (secret). Together, it spells PaRDeS - which means paradise or garden. Everything is interconnected, roots intertwined, with one dynamic influencing something else on a completely different level or plane. It is a system, just like that of the universe and its cosmic laws, and there is a very specific way to enter into and understand the hidden nuances it holds.
Not a Magic Spell
The Hebrew root word (DALET BEIT REISH - דבר) that forms the word dibur, "speech," is the same as davar, "thing." So, as you speak, you create things. Have you ever wondered where the phrase "Abra K'dabra" (אברא כדברא) comes from? It's Aramaic, which means "I will create as I speak." Exactly what G-d did when He created the World.
That's why, when you read the TANAKH (Hebrew Bible) or Psalms in Hebrew, you calibrate yourself with G-d's creation, and creation itself responds to you. Whether through protection, provision, or anything that is necessary to meet you where you are at.
The Greek language, like any other language, cannot do that. So, translating the Torah into Greek diluted the Word of G-d into a simple topical "story." All the hidden nuances and dynamics that hold the structure together got chucked out of the window, opening up the Bible to be interpreted according to what you feel like and think is relevant to you at any given moment. No wonder the world is in chaos, unraveling at the seams.
Let's Find the Positive in this Disaster
After Greek, the other language translations followed - diluting things even more. Yes, I know, we're looking for the positive. SO, because of all these translations, most of us were able to at least have some insight into G-d's world and heart. And that little bit is a big Light in a very dark world.
Starting from this point of gratitude, we first have to acknowledge that we sit with a very dumb-down version; secondly, be conscious that the Torah is so much more than what we can ever imagine; and thirdly, steadily work our way towards understanding its hidden intricacies more. The mere acknowledgment and effort to understand more already sweep you up into an upward spiral.
Learn more about what led up to the Torah being translated by Ptelomy II and the 72 Torah scholars into what is known today as the Septuagint HERE and HERE. Make sure you also listen to the audio that gives more background.
There is a worldwide awakening to learning Hebrew in order to understand the Bible better. Become part of that revolution. Want to take baby steps? Learn how to say your favorite Psalms in Hebrew HERE. Each Psalm has an audio and PDF that you can download. The PDF contains the Hebrew, the translation, and the transliteration, so you can learn how to pronounce the words.
Credit: Bust of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, National Archaeological Museum, Naples, Marie-Lan Nguyen, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
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