Artificial Intelligence

With the world abuzz over artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, even the more secluded sects of orthodox Judaism are left with no choice but to address the new technology. More than a dozen rabbis from the Skver Hassidic sect on Thursday released a letter banning the use of AI tools.

"We must warn about the obstacle and the terrible danger of the new service 'OpenAI' and the like," the letter opened. It proceeds to warn that although not everyone has yet recognized the danger, the technology poses "a trap for all of us, young and old."

The letter continues, stating: "We are declaring that this is like internet without a filter, and is open to all abominations, heresy, and heathenry without limits, and brings to all the prohibitions which are considered, 'You shall not stray after your heart and after your eyes,' and it is obvious that it is considered a severe crime."

Therefore, the letter concludes, "The use of AI is prohibited in any form, even using a telephone.

The Skver Hassidic sect, originally from Eastern Europe, is now based in New Square, a small, all-Hassidic village northwest of New York City. The community is led by Rabbi David Twersky and is considered to be more conservative and secluded, even by Hassidic standards.