The World Jewish Congress mourns the death of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, one of the greatest Jewish scholars and teachers of our time, who died on Friday morning at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. Rabbi Steinsaltz was best known for his monumental translation of the Babylonian Talmud from Aramaic into modern Hebrew, together with his own explanations and commentaries, a 45-year long project he completed in 2010. In addition to the full Hebrew translation, Rabbi Steinsaltz rendered parts of the Talmud into English, French, Spanish, and Russian.
Rabbi Steinsaltz’s motto, he said in a 2010 radio interview, was “Let my people know,” adding, “The Talmud is the spine of our culture … I wanted to restore to the Jewish people their heritage.”
Born in Jerusalem in 1937, Rabbi Steinsaltz was the author of more than 60 books, and was awarded the Israel Prize for Jewish Studies, among many honors.
“Rabbi Steinsaltz was one of the towering intellects of the modern era,” said World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder. “In his gentle, unassuming manner, he taught thousands upon thousands the beauty and depth of Jewish culture and tradition, making the Talmud accessible to contemporary and future generations as never before. The World Jewish Congress was privileged by his presence and wisdom at numerous of our events over the years. Together with the Jewish people across the globe, we mourn his passing and extend our condolences to his family.”
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About the World Jewish Congress
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) is the international organization representing Jewish communities in 100 countries to governments, parliaments and international organizations.
www.wjc.org
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