Presentation of the book "Qiddushin"
Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at 5 pm
Venice International University
The purpose of the "Babylonian Talmud Translation Project" is to complete the first ever translation into Italian of the Talmud, the fundamental Jewish text written in Ancient Aramaic: a unique part of the world's cultural heritage.
The primary objective is to use new technologies in favor of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, through the dissemination of knowledge as a tool in the fight against discrimination. This unique translation software, specially developed in Italy, is based on semantics and applicable to any language. It is an advanced and innovative computer translation system specifically developed by the National Research Council, developed in collaboration with the Union of Italian Jewish Communities - Italian Rabbinical College (UCEI / CRI).
The translation was carried out using new technologies and involved 90 researchers and translators all over the world. In line with the globalization processes of the world, the translation, thanks to new technologies, is thus transformed into an effective tool to foster intercultural dialogue and fight anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. The "Talmud Project" is an example of how technology can help inclusion and intercultural dialogue with minorities, allowing maximum accessibility and giving impetus to the spread of the millenary culture of which they are the carriers. It was promoted by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers; the Ministry of Education, University and Research; and the National Research Council, in collaboration with the Union of Italian Jewish Communities - Italian Rabbinical College.
The latest volume will be presented at Venice International University, on the Island of San Servolo, and the occasion will be important to illustrate the use of the "Translation Project of the Babylonian Talmud" as a "best practice" on the subject of new technologies applied to culture, as a basis for fostering dialogue and inclusion. This is in line with the Italian Government's ongoing commitment to protecting cultural heritage and with UN Security Council Resolution 2347/17, which was adopted thanks to the initiative of Italy. This Resolution recognized the need to protect cultural heritage in the context of armed conflicts, precisely in order to preserve the historical memory, traditions and civilization of peoples. The first three volumes of the Talmud in Italian - Rosh Hashana, Berakhòt and Ta'anit - were edited and presented to the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella in an official ceremony. In mid-October 2019, the fourth volume - Qiddushin - will be published.
The official presentation will take place at VIU on Tuesday 5 November 2019 at 5 pm.
The event will be held in Italian.
