Using AI to Answer Halachic Questions: A Good Idea?

By: Gabe Rosenbluth

Preface: The information in this article about what AI can and cannot do is based on explanations and examples provided by AI systems themselves. This article is intended to explore the topic thoughtfully rather than to issue Halachic rulings.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool in many areas of life. It helps recommend movies and music, translate languages, and organize large amounts of information quickly. 

Recently, some people have started asking whether AI can, or should, be used to answer Halachic (Jewish law) questions. While AI offers clear benefits, it also raises concerns. Overall, using AI for Halachic questions can be helpful in limited ways, but it should not replace the guidance of a qualified rabbi.

What AI Can Do Well

One major advantage of AI is its access to vast amounts of information. AI can quickly search through large amounts of text, including the Torah, Mishnah, Gemara, Shulchan Aruch, and many commentaries. 

This can be very helpful for someone who wants to research sources or understand the different perspectives on a topic. Instead of spending hours searching, AI can summarize ideas in seconds.

AI can also be useful as an educational tool. For students learning Halacha, AI can explain concepts in simpler language, define difficult terms, and show how different rulings are connected or contrasted. In this way, AI can support learning and encourage people to become more engaged with Halacha.

Another benefit is availability. A rabbi is not always accessible, especially late at night or in small communities. AI is available at any time and can help someone prepare a question or gain background knowledge before speaking to a rabbi.

The Serious Limitations of AI

Despite these benefits, there are major problems with relying on AI to answer Halachic questions. The most important issue is that Halacha is not just about information. 

Real Halachic decisions depend heavily on context, including a person’s background, minhagim (community/family customs), personal circumstances, and even emotional factors. AI does not truly understand people or situations; it only analyzes text.

A Balanced Approach

Because of these strengths and weaknesses, the best approach is a balanced one. AI can be used as a tool for learning, research, and preparation. It can help someone understand a topic better or know which questions to ask.

However, final Halachic decisions should always be made by a qualified rabbi, who can consider the full situation and provide thoughtful, personalized guidance.

Conclusion

Using AI to answer Halachic questions is not entirely good or bad. AI can help study and gather information, but it should never replace rabbinic judgment. 

Halacha is an evolving convention shaped by knowledge, experience, and individual insight, things that AI, no matter how advanced, does not truly possess. For that reason, AI should remain a tool, not a final authority, when it comes to questions of Halacha.