Q. Dear Rov, you recently mentioned about using vertlach and gematrios created by an AI program. I travel a lot and often learn in a hotel late at night. Could I use an AI program that I very much like enjoy learning with, as it so advanced and performs like a real truly, friendly Chavrusa?
A. It is common in our days not only to listen to tapes of shiurim when traveling or otherwise, watch videos of shiurim of Gedolim and attend zooming classes and events etc. there is not much difference in what you are describing and should be permitted
.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlt’a opinion is, that a programmed device as smart, most knowledgeable and truly rich in memory it seems to be, is after all not human, it does not have human feelings and those cannot be programmed. It also does non comply with any mitzvos and does not recite or have to recite the blessing of the Torah.
It does not posses a conscience, moral sensitivity and does not even have the most basic feelings and awareness of the presence of Hashem. O course it also is missing al the spiritual qualities and traits of character and mitzvos necessary for the true understanding and growth in the meaning of Torah and mitzvos. Al those are the product and the result of learning Torah with the Holy Ruach, spirit and Neshama that Hashem granted to those who’s neshomos and souls were present at Har Sinai.
Although, it may seem to provide great help in maintaining your learning of Torah in the situation you describe, you must keep in mind the true reality in front of you.
It is interesting to note that one of the most common symptoms of children and youngsters and some adults too, is indeed to attribute to inanimate objects and toys life personalities and living qualities. Some meforshim explain that this is one of the main sources of Avoda Zarah.
Yet, once having and keeping all the above in mind, you may indeed learn Torah with that up to date and helpful “chavrusa” you have.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a.
Important Numbers
