The rapid increase in available online Talmud resources has created a unique obstacle for a discipline that typically revolves around text-based learning. Among the most popular are Sefaria and Mercava, which both offer online translations and explanations for thousands of pages of Gemara. While some YULA Rebbeim allow for the use of these resources within the classroom, many maintain a more hardline approach.

Rabbi Aaron Moshe Granick, a first-year YULA rabbi, believes that many translation resources can be harmful to a student’s growth in their Torah learning abilities. “Using a translation highly detracts from a student’s ability to learn Gemara,” Rabbi Granick explains. “These are the years to build your skills. If you’re just going to use [Gemara translations] during this time, you’re throwing them away.” He did, however, note that these resources can be helpful at times. “If somebody has a word or a phrase that they’re stuck on,” they should go for it.

Some YULA rebbeim have decided to permit the usage of Gemara translations within their classrooms. Rabbi Shimon Abramczik, Dean of Students and the head of the Friedman Family Masmidim program, realizes the benefits of English translations of the Gemara, particularly in a student’s pursuit of growth in their learning abilities. “Ultimately, I think that the goal should be for every student to get to the point of being a self-learner, to the point of not needing any outside resources. With that being said, I feel there are amazing tools to help get to that point.”

Given the wide range of translation resources available, YULA Rebbeim have been forced to decide whether or not to allow their students to access Gemara translations independently. Beyond that, YULA students are also making a crucial choice themselves: Whether or not their use of Gemara translations will complement their independent learning.

Students who typically avoid using English translations tend to agree that these resources should only be used in moments of confusion. “I think that every now and then, in a situation where there is a weird word which doesn’t normally come up, it’s fine to go in and look for just this one word’s translation,” said Noam Goldberg (‘23), a member of the Masmidim program. “But to use [an English translation] as your way of learning for every single word in the Gemara, I think that takes away from your learning,” he added.

Baruch Mendelowitz (‘24), also a student in the Friedman Family Masmidim program, tries to limit his usage of Gemara translations: “While I do occasionally use English resources, I prefer to stick to a physical method of learning, studying from the Gemara itself.”

While the debate will continue on the usage of English translations of the Gemara within learning, the ultimate goal for all YULA students remains the same: the furtherance of their Torah learning ambitions and the development of critical lifelong skills along the way.