Live Zoom Event: AI and Avodah Zarah (Monday)

The Sofrim Group is proud to invite you to a moderated discussion about one of the most intriguing topics of our times:

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

Monday May 15 @ 10pm (Israeli time, 8pm in UK, 3pm EST, noon PST)

Hosted by Rabbi Reuven Subar.
Panelists include Dr. David Manheim, Rabbi Arnie Wittenstein, Rabbi Baruch Clinton, Dr. Michael G. Samet, & R’ Daniel Freedman.
Description: 
In this moderated discussion about Torah-based views of AI (Artificial Intelligence), we will speak with AI experts and learned rabbinic scholars in an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that explores the potential implications of AI. The panelists will discuss their backgrounds and interests in AI.
They will also talk about the challenges of integrating AI into everyday Halachic life, and the potential risks of relying on AI for decision-making. In doing so, they will consider the ways that AI technology may or may not resemble the Jewish struggle with paganism/idolatry (because both are man-made and are sometimes ascribed with autonomous power). The conversation will also touch on the parallels between the spread of fake news through AI and how it parallels the use of falsehoods by idolatrous priests who manipulated their followers.
The panelists will share their insights and conclusions on the implications of AI for religion and society as a whole and will also answer questions from the audience.

Shalom & Kol Tuv,

Reuven Chaim Klein

Beitar Illit, Israel

Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein is the author of God versus Gods: Judaism in the Age of Idolatry (Mosaica Press, 2018). His book follows the narrative of Tanakh and focuses on the stories concerning Avodah Zarah using both traditional and academic sources. It also includes an encyclopedia of all the different types of idolatry mentioned in the Bible.

Rabbi Klein studied for over a decade at the premier institutes of the Hareidi world, including Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood and Yeshivas Mir in Jerusalem. He authored many articles both in English and Hebrew, and his first book Lashon HaKodesh: History, Holiness, & Hebrew (Mosaica Press, 2014)  became an instant classic. His weekly articles on synonyms in the Hebrew language are published in the Jewish Press and Ohrnet. Rabbi Klein lives with his family in Beitar Illit, Israel and can be reached via email to: rabbircklein@gmail.com