I use a few dictionaries when studying chumash and gemorah, so I need to know if certain dictionaries are acceptable:
1. Jastrow, I was told there is a problem since the auther was not a yirei shamayim, or a kofer etc
2. I have a Mishnayos translated to english by a Reform rabbi. (also the book is only english, it doesn’t have the original hebrew letters).
3. Dictionaries writen by not yidden, like language professors
Thanks a lot for your time.
Answer:
1. Jastrow is fine to use; it is one of the most professional dictionaries, and from experience I have not encountered any problems of “hidden agendas.” This doesn’t mean that his translation is always the “majority opinion” among authorities, and he chooses what he thinks fits best.
2. This should not be used, certainly not as an only source. Reform has an agenda, and there is reason to suspect that this agenda influenced the translation.
3. In general, if the work is academic, it should be fine, but if religious it should be viewed with a good measure of suspicion.
There are no shortage of good English translations by Jewish observant individuals, published by Artscroll, Feldheim and others, and these are recommended.
Best wishes.
