AI and Avodah Zarah: A Torah-based Discussion of Artificial Intelligence

Participant Panelists: Dr. David Manheim, Dr. Michael G. Samet, Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein, Rabbi Boruch Clinton, & Rabbi Daniel Freedman
Moderator: Rabbi Reuven Subar

Abstract:
This moderated discussion explores various Torah-based viewpoints related to AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this video, AI experts and learned rabbinic scholars engage in a thought-provoking conversation that probes the potential implications of AI. The esteemed panelists discussed the state of generative AI technology, its current limitations, and how it differs from earlier technology, while also generally talking about their backgrounds and interests in AI.
The panelists also focused on the potential risks of relying on AI for decision-making and other ethical issues. In doing so, they considered how AI technology may or may not resemble the Jewish struggle against paganism/idolatry (both being man-made and sometimes ascribed autonomous power). The panelists further touched on the challenges of integrating AI into everyday Jewish life, such as the possible uses of AI tech for rendering Halachic decisions and the betterment of Jewish society (e.g., to assist in making shidduchim). Overall, the participants shared their insights and conclusions on the implications of AI for religion and society as a whole, and answered questions from the live Zoom audience.

Panelist Bios:
Dr. David Manheim is the director of policy and research at the think-tank Association for Long Term Existence and Resilience (ALTER) in Israel, which focuses on the risks and benefits of future technology. He is currently a visiting researcher at the Technion University, where he studies biological and technological risks and the impacts of new technologies.

Dr. Michael G. Samet is a veteran of the machine-learning industry and in that capacity has been involved in the fields of military, health, and academia in developing such systems. He is the brother of Rabbi Yehuda Samet (Mashgiach of Yeshivat Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem) and father-in-law of Rabbi Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky (a Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva University).

Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein is the son of legendary NASA physicist Jerry (Gerald) Wittenstein. He is currently a fellow at the Kollel of Yeshivas Mir in Jerusalem and serves as an educator at Yeshivat Torat Shraga in Jerusalem. His widely acclaimed lectures are available online and through his podcast, Jewish History Uncensored. He dabbled in computer programming during the 1970s and 1980s.

Rabbi Boruch Clinton is a long-time Judaic educator in Yeshivot and Beis Yaakov institutes in Toronto. He has also written numerous books on Torah-oriented topics and on technology, including the Linux Bible. Professionally, he works as a Linux server admin and AWS solutions architect. He also writes the B’chol D’rachecha publication on Substack.

Rabbi Daniel Freedman holds a BA from WITS University in his native South Africa (with a special focus on history, political science, and philosophy) and a BA in Talmudic Law from the Hertz Institute Teacher Training College of Ohr Lagolah in Jerusalem, Israel. He has more than two decades of experience as a web developer, and is currently employed by an Israeli startup that is developing a digital medical referral system.