Translate! (On YU and Israel)

YU recently declared a "cross-pollination" program whereby students from the states will visit specially-tailored programs in Israel and implement lessons form there back in the US. All well and good, but this seems to me to be investing far too much energy in the wrong direction. A far more effective method for cultural "cross-pollination" is that time-honored method of translation.

It is translation that has made that Rav's works (and others such as Eliezer Berkowitz) increasingly accessible and read in Israel. It is translation that allowed for greater connection to tefila via Artscroll and Koren. Famous Israeli authors like Amos Oz, AB Yehoshua and Rav Chaim Sabbato are all readable in the US thanks to translation. There are few greater and more effective ways of spreading ideas and conducting dialogue than breaking down language barriers.

There are huge cultural and religious treasure troves that are desperately needed on both sides of the pond, yet continue to founder at the docks for lack of a translation boat. I can not begin to describe how much the Orthodox Forum book series, for instance, would help provide for a much more informed discussion in Israel on issues such as family life, spirituality and modernity. Conversely, thinkers such as Rav Shagar, Rav Yuval Sherlo, Eliezer Goldman, Rav Dr. Michael Avraham and others could surely do the same if only we could let them.

I disagree that money is a barrier. If we can find the money to send thousands of people to Israel and vice versa, we can certainly find the money to ensure translation. If we can translate the Rav's works, there's no reason we can't do that with others as well. (This might even help to provide parnassa for the many educated talmidei chachcmim here, who will no doubt charge less than what it would cost in the states...) Perhaps we should even establish a fund for the translation of important thinkers and book series (Any suggestions on a name?).

We have plenty of people - we need to work harder on the spread of ideas. So pick up the gauntlet, YU, and let the translations begin!