Targum Onkelos – the translation of the Chumash into Aramaic by Onkelos – is so important that the Sages included it in the obligation to read the weekly Chumash portion “shnayim mikra v’echad Targum” the Torah text twice andTargum Onkelos once. Now you will be able to gain a better understanding of the interpretation of Onkelos and enhance your understanding of Chumash.

ArtScroll proudly presents the Zichron Meir Edition of Targum Onkelos: The definitive Aramaic interpretive translation of the Torah, elucidated and annotated.

The Zichron Meir Edition of Targum Onkelos includes:

• Chumash, Rashi, and Targum Onkelos fully vowelized
• An elucidation of Targum Onkelos, following the style of the Sapirstein Edition of Rashi and other ArtScroll classics
• An interlinear design, with the words of Targum Onkelos placed directly under the Hebrew of the Chumash text
• A flowing translation of the Chumash, based on the Stone Chumash. This includes words marked in bold when the translation differs from that of Onkelos
• Text that is highlighted when Onkelos deviates from the literal translation into his own interpretation
• Notes that explain and clarify those places where Onkelos appears to add his own phrase or where he deviates from the simple meaning of the verse.
• Footnotes that include background information and insights of other commentators

See for yourself! Click HERE to download the first Aliyah of Bereishis for free: Onkelos – Bereishis First Aliyah. Print it out and learn it this Shabbos!

Visit artscroll.com to order your copy today!

AS: In your introduction, you say the Chasam Sofer “reshaped the Jewish world and changed the course of history.” Is it possible, in a few sentences, to tell our readers how he did that?

RYB: He did it by showing that being courageous and firm isn’t a contradiction to being a kind, generous, loving rav; by providing a living example of compassionate leadership — what we might call incredible kannaus, butalso  incredible Ahavas Yisrael. He was the single most effective figure in stopping the Reformers, yet a beloved, revered kehillah rav in a major city.

AS: The book opens with a haunting photograph of the Chasam Sofer. It’s almost as if he’s staring at you, and he knows a lot about you. Is that the impression he made on you as you researched his life?

RYB: The picture was purchased from a respected auction house, which had it authenticated. It was originally painted by a non-Jewish artist, and when you look at it, there is a certain feeling of awe, which makes sense. In the book, we tell how the Chasam Sofer’s talmidim and even his own children felt they had to avert their gaze from him at times.

AS: Wars. Trouble with congregants. Financial worries. Messages brought in dreams. Mystical encounters. The Chasam Sofer’s life seems to be both similar to other people’s situations, and yet so very different. How can we reconcile his profound spiritual powers with the everyday challenges he faced?

RYB: That is precisely what makes this story unique. To be one with the Torah, with halachah, with yiras Shamayim, and still incorporate that into real life, practical rabbanus and being a rosh yeshivah. He was a gadol hador in so many different areas, yet none of them came at the expense of any other.

AS: This is a well-researched biography, yet it reads like a novel. How did you manage that?

RYB: I didn’t manage anything. Every project takes siyatta d’Shmaya, and this one is no different.

AS: What do you think the Chasam Sofer’s message would be to Jews today?

RYB: We are where we are because we hold on. We have a Father and He hasn’t changed. What was true remains true. You can be a relevant, successful person, a contemporary person, without compromising that which your fathers believed in.

Get your copy today in time for Yom Tov! artscroll.com/f/CHASH

Tens of thousands have had their davening transformed through the bestselling Praying with Fire series. Now, it’s time for teens to enhance their tefillos. ArtScroll spoke with Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, author of the Praying with Fire books.

AS: What makes this new book especially for teens?

 RHK: The scenarios and stories we use to illustrate the concepts of tefillah were revised to relate to the experiences of teens and young adults. In this way,  the teen reader gets a direct sense of how the concept can help him or her. We also used the more concise, direct writing style that younger readers prefer. And we added new material that opens pathways for finding an emotional connection to Hashem through prayer.

 AS: Can teenagers really change the way they daven in just 5 minutes a day?  

RHK: Of course! Both teens and adults benefit from small daily doses of learning. This method gives the reader time to more fully focus on and absorb what he’s learned and to try putting it into practice. The words on each page are like a powerful multivitamin; if you took the whole bottle in one day, your body couldn’t stand it. Small daily doses, on the other hand, make a noticeable difference over the course of time. 

 AS: We know davening is important, but what are the benefits teens will see in their everyday lives if they learn to connect to Hashem through tefillah? 

RHK:  In Tehillim we say, “Gam ki eilech b’gei tzalmoves, lo ira ra ki Atah imodi,” – Even if I go through the most frightening experience, knowing Hashem is there with me prevents me from feeling panic and despair. A person who learns to connect with Hashem through tefillah feels the comforting presence of his loving Father in every situation. There is not a more valuable acquisition for a teen or young adult — or anyone.

AS: Did you have input from teens as you wrote the book?

RHK:  Much of our input came from the tefillah program we are already successfully running in both boys and girls high schools, which is currently available by request. The overwhelming majority of these students wanted a book that would make a positive difference in their lives. This book is our response. We are confident that they will grab this opportunity and use it to bring yeshuos and berachah to themselves and to all of Klal Yisrael.

Get your copy today – artscroll.com/f/PWFTH!