The Aramaic Bible: Targums in their Historical Context

MCNAMARA Glazier-Liturgical Press Aramaic Bible Project 113
The Aramaic Bible: A Monument to Michael Glazier
In the Preface to the first volume in number (vol. 1A, 1992) in the
Aramaic Bible Series I thought it proper to pay due tribute to Michael
Glazier for his enterprising spirit in undertaking the publication of the
English translation of all the Targums. I wrote: 26
In this, the first volume in number in the Aramaic Bible Series, full credit
must be given to the publisher Michael Glazier, without whose initiative
and resourcefulness this project would never have been begun. Not only
did he take up with enthusiasm the suggestion put to him in 1980 to
publish a translation of the Palestinian Targums of the Pentateuch, but he
proposed that the entire corpus be translated and published with appropriate
introductions, critical apparatuses and notes. It was an immense
undertaking. Let the volumes already published and the entire corpus
stand as a monument to his dedication to the publication of scholarly works.
From the very beginning he worked in close conjunction with the
editorial board at all stages in the preparation of the plans. He noted
that we were involved in a most important project, which will not be
done again for generations. 27
The work of course, still awaits completion. Yet the present stage
seems an occasion for some reflections.
A Collaborative Effort
The Aramaic Bible Series stands as a monument to the selfless dedication
of those involved in its production. In the foreword at the beginning
of each volume the three members of the editorial board
(Professor Kevin Cathcart, Dr Michael Maher and myself) say:
By their translations, introductions and critical notes the contributors to
this series have rendered an immense service to the progress of targumic
studies. It is hoped that the series, provisional though it may be, will
bring nearer the day when the definitive translation of the Targums can be
made.
For me personally, involvement in the project has given great pleasure.
It would not have advanced this far without the encouragement
and help of a great many people. In the exploratory stage in the late
26. Tar gum Neofiti 1: Genesis (Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1992), p. ix.
27. Letter to the writer of 31 May 1981.