By Matan Schneider, Staff Writer
Whether in education, advertising, social media, academia, graphic design or scientific research, artificial intelligence has come into contact with almost every aspect of our lives. AI is a powerful tool, with dozens of uses, and it is particularly useful in making learning easier and faster. But, what about when it comes to Torah learning? Torah study is not just about reading or writing words; it is a personal, communal and spiritual activity. Would AI enhance Torah study, as it has been able to do with scientific research? Or would incorporating AI into Torah learning cause more harm than good?
The question of AI’s interaction with Torah is more than just a technical issue of finding divrei Torah or generating halakhic (Jewish law-related) summaries. It challenges us to think about what Torah study means today, and how we can keep its values alive in a digital age. AI can read and understand large amounts of text extremely quickly. This feature of AI may allow us to look through many sefarim, biblical portions, essays of Jewish thought or works of halakha (Jewish law) and enjoy quick summaries or explanations of them. This can save a lot of time for busy students and rabbis who want to prepare a dvar Torah or answer a halakhic question quickly. AI’s ability to organize and explain information clearly can also help people who might ordinarily struggle to learn Torah. For beginners or those who do not have a teacher nearby, AI might make Torah study more accessible. It can point to sources or ideas that learners might not find on their own. In addition, AI can help students spend more time thinking deeply rather than getting lost while searching for sources.
Rabbinic opinions about AI in Torah study are still developing. Even though AI offers many benefits, Torah study is not simply about acquiring large amounts of information. Many rabbis agree that AI can be a great tool to help find information or provide a first draft. But when it comes to making halakhic rulings or teaching divrei Torah, human understanding and wisdom are necessary. Studying Torah is a spiritual act done “lishmah” — for its own sake and out of a love of God. The process of learning Torah usually involves thinking hard, asking questions and discussing with others. Many rabbis worry that using AI to write divrei Torah or halakhic summaries might take away the special connection between the bochur (learner) and the Torah. To learn Torah means to invest effort and engage with the holy text in a personal way. If we rely too much on AI, this personal learning could become shallow or mechanical.
Using AI also changes how we learn as a community. Torah learning usually happens in groups, like in a beit midrash (study hall), where students and teachers learn together. This makes the learning experience richer and helps build a strong Jewish community. AI can’t replace these human relationships and the deep conversations that happen around Torah study. Torah study has always been a mix of personal effort, lively debate and learning from others. It shapes who we are and strengthens our bonds. If AI creates more divrei Torah or halakhic summaries, some worry that students might lose motivation to study hard or build relationships in the beit midrash. This could weaken the culture of learning that has supported Jewish life for centuries.
AI also cannot really “understand” Torah in the way humans can. It follows patterns in data but does not have spirit or consciousness. While AI can help point you in the direction of the appropriate halakhic sources to consult in order to find answers, it absolutely cannot innovate halakhic solutions. New halakhic rulings are reached through the application of particular principles and elegant categories, with context-dependent elements that require the insight of a flesh-and-blood rabbi well-versed in Jewish law.
But at the same time, rejecting AI completely might make Torah study seem old-fashioned or difficult for younger people. Today’s students grew up surrounded by technology and are expected to use digital tools in their studies. AI, used thoughtfully, could help bring new learners into the world of Torah who might otherwise feel left out.
What should YU and other Jewish learning institutions do? The best answer seems to be a balance. AI can be a powerful tool to help learners find sources and understand ideas quickly. But its use should always be under careful human guidance. The safest and most respectful way to use AI is to have people review and improve any AI-generated content. Students and rabbis should see AI as a helper, not a teacher or final authority. They should be honest about when AI is being used and think carefully about its limitations. AI-generated Torah content should be seen as a starting point — not as the final word. The focus must remain on human creativity, effort and spiritual growth.
AI offers exciting possibilities to help more people learn Torah and make study easier. But it also reminds us of the unique, personal and communal nature of Torah learning that can’t be replaced by machines. The discussion about AI and Torah should continue as technology advances. Jewish leaders, educators and students need to work together to decide how to use AI in a way that respects tradition but also embraces useful new tools. By doing this, we honor the rich legacy of Torah learning and prepare thoughtfully for a future where technology and spirituality meet.
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