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How to Add a Translation to the Sefaria Library

Team Sefaria
Team Sefaria
  • Updated

The Sefaria Library contains two types of translations:

  • Translations released into the Creative Commons as a result of Sefaria's arrangement and funding or licensed by Sefaria through agreements with publishers and individuals
  • Community translations, written and shared by individuals with Sefaria accounts.

Please note: To contribute to a Sefaria Library community translation, you must have a Sefaria account.

>>> Learn how to register for a Sefaria account

 

Starting a new Sefaria Community Translation:

  1. Log in to your Sefaria account.
  2. Click on the text you want to translate to open the Resource Panel.
  3. Scroll down to locate the Tools subheading.
  4. Click on the word Advanced, the last option on the list.
  5. Click on the words Add Translation.
  6. Above the box, select either: 
    1. Original Translation — for translations you have written yourself (English only)
    2. Copied Text — for translations from a book or sheet, or for translations in any non-English language. Fill in the relevant fields (edition, book title, etc.).
  7. Type your first paragraph into the text box. When you're ready to add the next paragraph, press Enter to start a new paragraph in the same editor — do not save and re-open "Add Translation" for each paragraph, as this will overwrite your previous work.
  8. When you have finished entering all your paragraphs, click Save. Your translation will appear within 24 hours.

Important: Only use "Add Translation" when starting a brand-new translation version. If a version under your title already exists, using "Add Translation" again will create a blank editor that overwrites your previous paragraphs when saved.

Adding to an Existing Community Translation

If you have already saved some paragraphs under your translation version and want to continue adding more:

  1. Navigate to the relevant text.
  2. Open the Resource Panel and go to Tools → Advanced.
  3. Click Edit Text (not "Add Translation").
  4. Add your new paragraph by pressing Enter at the end of the existing text, then typing the new paragraph.
  5. Click Save.

Submitting a Complete Translation

If you have a complete translation of a specific text you'd like to add to the library, we'd love to hear about it! Send an email to hello@sefaria.org with information about your translation, and we'll be in touch.

Notes for Non-English Translations

  • List the translation as Copied Text. Do not enter non-English translations under Original Translation.
  • In the Version Title field, make sure the full name of the language is clearly stated.

  • The Version Title must end with a two-character language code in brackets — for example: [pt], [fr], [es].

    Please note: Adding and editing translations is not possible on Sefaria’s mobile apps.