Can AI Save Jewish Studies?

This interesting article in Tablet considers issues including the power of AI to translate the many languages used by the Jewish diaspora, and whether AI can simulate beit midrash tutorials or even dispense responsa about Jewish law, though it cautions correctly that “AI modules have frequently replaced our learning and social contacts with pap.”

Can AI Save Jewish Studies? (Daniel Solomon, Tablet, July 9, 2025)

 

One marker of a Jewish education is that the student develops some understanding of the relevant languages. You've never attended a bar mitzvah service where the child read the Torah or Haftorah in English. No, the centerpiece of that ritual is the child's ability to read and explain a Hebrew text. Yeshiva buchers study Talmud in Aramaic and are introduced to the various Law Codes in later forms of Hebrew.

Now, the very point of this study is to understand how the Rabbis thought about various issues. Actually learning the substantive law is secondary. The journey is the point. I do not see how AI can help with any of this.

 

Nowadays you do see the bar mitzvahs in English. My son was forced to learn Hebrew! Thank goodness for tropetrainer being back online. Our rabbi handed my son a cassette tape he made my son for his portion My poor son had no idea what it even was!

 

The issue with Jewish studies programs are the insane costs!