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Rabbis Discuss Artificial Intelligence and the Rebbe-Talmid Relationship at Conference
Edited by: TJVNews.com
On Sunday, January 22, 2023, the Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim convened its monthly Rosh Chodesh (Shevat) Conference and Seudah at Yeshivas Bris Avram, located in Monsey, New York. This important citadel of Torah is under the leadership of its renowned rosh yeshiva, Rabbi Aharon Mandel.
The Rosh Chodesh Conference was devoted to educating the respected rabbis of Igud HaRabbonim about the vital service that Yeshivas Bris Avram provides Klal Yisrael. This yeshiva specializes in fostering strong rebbe-talmid relationships so each student develops the unique aspects of his religious personality. As a result of this vibrant approach, the students accomplish impressive growth in Torah learning. Since the start of the Elul Zman, the talmidim have made a siyum on the first perek of Maseches Makos and have also mastered the first volume of Piskei Hilchos Shabbos, authored by the renowned posek, Rabbi Ephraim Padawer.
One of the great hallmarks of Yeshivas Bris Avram is the school’s vision of students traveling across the United States, visiting wonderful communities and interacting with Jews throughout the country. Besides strengthening Yiddishkeit in America, this important experience helps to inculcate in the students a sense of Jewish unity and an outward focus on others. Rabbi Tzvi Mandel, legendary rabbi of Khal Bnei Yisrael and father of Rabbi Aharon Mandel, is heavily involved in implementing the vision and mission of Yeshivas Bris Avram.
Among the very prominent rabbis in attendance were Rabbi Shloima Nissan, Rosh Kollel Eimek Hachochma Tzchekarsa; Rabbi Yochanon Cohen, Menahel Tosh, Monsey; Rabbi Yosef Cohen, Mechanech, Passaic NJ; Rabbi Efraim Mordechai Friedman, one of the poskim Stollin Karlin, Monsey; Rabbi Yitschok Meisner, Staten Island; Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Hershel Mandel, Chaver Muvhak; Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, Presidium Member, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Avrohom Hecht, Jewish Community Council of Canarsie; Rabbi Gil Student, Director, Vaad Halacha, Igud HaRabbonim; Rabbi Yisroel Kahn, Oizrim; Rabbi Ben Kelsen, Beis Medrash Zichron Shlomo Elimelech; Rabbi Yerachmiel Seplowitz, noted Mohel and Monsey Rav; and Rabbi David Toback, Staten Island.
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of Igud HaRabbonim explained, “in today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) poses a threat to many professions that can be learned and replicated by machines. However, AI cannot replace teachers. A computer is unable to generate the love that a rebbe has for a talmid. Torah is not just knowledge that can be transferred but a way of life that is transmitted by the warm connections and interactions of a rebbe and a rav.
“As great as AI may someday become in generating material for the classroom and the pulpit, it lacks the heart and knowledge to connect and create the rebbe-talmid, rav-kehillah relationship. What the Igud HaRabbonim witnessed today at Yeshivas Bris Avram, through our interaction with the talmidim and witnessing how they relate to their beloved Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Aharon Mandel, truly exemplifies the pinnacle of the rebbe-talmid relationship that no computer can ever create. Only a Torah-loving, G-d-fearing scholar with a deep love for his talmidim, like Rabbi Aharon Mandel, can create, nurture and grow the relationships that students need. We, at the Igud HaRabbonim, wish Rabbi Aharon Mandel much success as his talmidim flourish in Torah, avodah and Yiddishkeit. We cannot thank Rabbi Mandel enough for the chizuk we gleaned from this wonderful experience.”
