Instructions for Using Sefaria for Google Docs
Sefaria for Google Docs is an extension that integrates Sefaria's 300+ million-word library into the Google document editor, making writing and sharing Torah even easier than before.
With this extension, you can:
  • Add perfectly formatted Jewish texts directly to your document as you write (in Hebrew, English, or both).
  • Automatically find textual citations in your document and link them directly to the Sefaria library.
  • Easily change the formatting of divine names within your document.
How do I add the extension to Google Docs?
You can find Sefaria for Google Docs in the Google Workspace Marketplace. Click ‘Install’.
Once the extension has been installed, it will automatically appear in the Google Docs interface associated with your Google account.
How do I begin using the extension in a Google Doc?
  1. In the toolbar at the top of your Google Doc, click on ‘Extensions’.
  2. Hover your mouse over ‘Sefaria’ to view all Sefaria extension tools.
How do I add a source from the Sefaria library to my Google Doc?
  1. Place your cursor in the place where you want the source to be added. Click ‘Extensions’ in the header > select ‘Sefaria’ in the dropdown menu > click ‘Add sources with Sefaria’. A sidebar will open on the right-hand side of your screen.
  2. In the search bar, type in the citation for the source you want to add. If you don’t know the full citation, begin typing and use the dropdown menu to find the desired section. (Note: You can add an entire chapter, span of text, or individual verse. The text that appears in the document will correspond to the exact citation you select.) Hit the ‘return’ key.
  3. Choose your desired layout from the dropdown menu.
  4. If you are adding a text in translation, choose your preferred translation from the dropdown menu.
  5. Click ‘Add Source’.
How do I link sources in a Google Doc?
  1. Type the citation of the desired source(s) in the Google Doc (for example: Genesis 1:1 or Babylonian Talmud, Berakhot 2a:6.
  2. In the toolbar at the top of your document, click ‘Extensions > select Sefaria in the dropdown menu > click ‘Link texts with Sefaria’. A sidebar will open on the right-hand side of your screen.
  3. Click the ‘Link Texts’ button.
Pro tip: This tool will add links to all citations in your document that exist in the Sefaria library at once. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeat this process for each individual citation. To save time, use this feature when your draft is complete or periodically as you work.
How do I select the way that I would like the Divine Name to be displayed in the Google Doc?
In the toolbar at the top of your document, click ‘Extensions’ > select ‘Sefaria’ in the dropdown menu > click ‘Transform Divine Names’ > select your preference from the options.
Pro tip: Like the source-linking tool, the Divine Name tool will update all instances of the Divine Name at once. To save time, use this feature when your draft is complete or periodically as you work.
Why can’t I find or link a source?
If you can’t locate or link a source, it could mean that it’s not yet available in the Sefaria library, or that it’s time to adjust your search. Some Jewish texts go by multiple names, and Hebrew titles are often transliterated in a variety of ways. Therefore, it’s possible that your source is available on Sefaria with a different title or spelling. Use the more extensive search features of sefaria.org to locate your desired text and verify the proper spelling to use for your citation in the Sefaria Google Doc Extension.
How can I report a technical problem or share feedback about the extension?
You can help fix issues and join us in making the best tool for your needs by sending feedback. Thank you in advance for filling out this form.