First-Ever Chassidus and Technology Conference Focused on AI

More than 400 participants from around the world joined the first-ever virtual Chassidus and Artificial Intelligence Conference, which brought together educators, developers, tech entrepreneurs, and Chassidus learners of all types.

By Anash.org reporter

More than 400 participants from around the world joined the first-ever virtual Chassidus and Artificial Intelligence Conference, which brought together educators, developers, tech entrepreneurs, and Chassidus learners of all types. The focus of the event was how modern tools based on artificial intelligence, including language models and search engines, can be used to further the mission of the Baal Shem Tov and the Rebbe, to bring the deepest teachings of Chassidus to every Jew in every place.

Coordinated by Rabbi Zalman Abraham, the event featured speakers including Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Rabbi Shmuly Avtzon, Golan Ben-Oni, Gamliel Beyderman, Gur Geva, Ephraim Moss, Shalom Cohen, Shlomo Hamburger, and Yisroel Litkowski. Each speaker shared tools, strategies, concerns, and visions for how emerging technology can be elevated for the sake of Torah.

Rabbi Simon Jacobson opened the event by explaining the Rebbe’s view on technology: that everything in the world exists by Divine intent, and our mission is to uncover the G-dly purpose within it. “Technology is not just permitted. It is a gift to be elevated. Hashem wants us to use it for kedusha,” he said. In this context, artificial intelligence platforms can become powerful vessels for hafatzas hamaayanos. This is especially true in our generation when access, translation, and distribution of Chassidus is more possible than ever before.

Participants spoke about how tools powered by natural language processing can help fulfill the verse “the world will be filled with knowledge of Hashem as water covers the sea.” These tools can break barriers of geography, background, and even language. This allows Chassidus to reach new audiences with unprecedented depth and clarity.

At the same time, speakers addressed serious concerns with using commercial models. Golan Ben-Oni warned that many tools tend to “hallucinate,” inventing facts or sources. “That’s dangerous when you’re dealing with Torah,” he said. Others expressed concern that these systems are often trained on unfiltered internet data, including sources that conflict with Torah values. As one participant put it, “These tools weren’t built in Meah Shearim. They reflect the values of the people who created them.” Speakers also emphasized that artificial intelligence lacks daas, neshama, and bechira chofshis. It can replicate structure but cannot intuitively apply Torah to a person’s unique soul or life.

To address these challenges, several new projects were introduced. Golan Ben-Oni presented a project currently in development to build a Torah-trained language model based solely on Torah sources and mesorah, designed for accuracy and spiritual integrity. He emphasized the need for community investment to help build and sustain it.

Gur Geva and Ephraim Moss presented OpenTorah.ai, a tool currently being built to serve as a universal, searchable Torah knowledge base. It uses a highly accurate OCR pipeline, human-verified translation, and retrieval augmented generation to ensure that every answer is backed by authentic sources. The team is welcoming contributors across development, curation, and education.

Rabbi Shmuly Avtzon introduced a platform being developed by Sichos in English that will offer immersive and personalized Chassidus learning. This new platform, with adaptive content and guided interaction, will meet users at their level and help them advance in pnimiyus haTorah step by step. Early access is available to select applicants by email request here.

Gamliel Beyderman discussed tools modeled after apps like Duolingo and Khan Academy. These tools include features to promote hisbonenus, retention, and comprehension through review cycles and questions that test understanding. He also emphasized that these technologies could help guide shakla vetarya, memory review, and application of concepts to daily life. This offers not just exposure to Chassidus but support for internalization.

Speakers also shared how tools already in wide use are being applied for Chassidus learning and sharing. Shalom Cohen uses ChatGPT to write creative expressions of Chassidus, such as rhymes and poems based on the weekly parsha, in a way that connects with younger or mixed-background audiences. Shlomo Hamburger explained that using multiple platforms together yields the best results. He uses Claude for thoughtful writing, Gemini for research, NotebookLM for document exploration, and Perplexity AI for direct answers. Each tool, he explained, has its strengths. It is the person guiding the tool who ultimately determines its impact. “It’s like a pen,” he said. “The tool is neutral. It’s what the person does with it that counts.” He also shared poetic reflections on Chassidus he had composed using these tools, which are available in this Google Drive folder. These works illustrate how technology can even contribute to creative spiritual expression.

One of the most moving presentations came from Yisroel Litkowski, who until recently had never used computers. Today, he uses artificial intelligence tools to translate thousands of pages of Chassidus, which he publishes on ChassidusNow.com. The site features side-by-side translations, summaries, and takeaways, all formatted for clear, accessible reading. He called it “a tool of geula,” explaining how the barriers to accessing Chassidus are now falling away.

The conversations throughout the conference focused on both the expanding potential of artificial intelligence tools and the importance of using them responsibly and effectively for Torah learning. Presenters discussed the practical next steps needed, from building infrastructure to improving accuracy, and expressed a shared eagerness to collaborate on solutions that serve the broader goal of spreading Chassidus.

In the days ahead, organizers plan to share a full conference recording along with a public resource featuring the ideas, techniques, and digital tools discussed during the event.

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