Chochmat HaBinah: Revolutionizing Jewish Education Through AI

In the rapidly evolving landscape of educational technology, Jewish schools face the dual challenge of embracing innovation while preserving cherished traditions. This tension was at the heart of the recent Day School Leadership Retreat focused on “Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Possibilities,” held on March 25, 2025, at deToledo High School in Los Angeles. The event was coordinated by Rabbi Jim Rogozen, Director of BJE’s Center for Excellence in Day School Education.

As a presenter at this groundbreaking event, I had the privilege of guiding Jewish educational leaders through the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in Jewish education. My workshop, “Chochmat HaBinah: AI Wisdom in Jewish Education,” offered participants a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to integrate AI into Hebrew language instruction and Jewish studies while remaining faithful to our core values.

The Four Questions of the AI Era

Given the proximity of the event to Passover, my presentation drew direct inspiration from the Passover Haggadah. I framed my presentation around “Four Questions” for the AI era, reminiscent of the questions we ask during the Seder. This framework resonated deeply with the educational leaders in attendance:

1. How is this era different from all other eras?
   
   Just as we reflect on the uniqueness of Passover night, this question invited participants to recognize the unprecedented nature of our current technological moment. The rapid advancement of AI is fundamentally altering not just how we teach but what we teach, creating both challenges and opportunities for Jewish education.
2. In all other eras we learned defined material, in this era are we generating content?
   
   This question explored how AI’s content generation capabilities are shifting the educator’s role from knowledge transmitter to thought process guide. During interactive demonstrations, participants witnessed firsthand how AI tools could generate differentiated learning materials that would previously have taken hours to create manually.
3. How do we distinguish between the bitter and the sweet?
   
   Like the bitter herbs of Passover, new technologies bring both beneficial and potentially harmful elements. Through collaborative activities, attendees worked together to develop frameworks for evaluating AI tools through a Jewish ethical lens, ensuring they support rather than undermine our educational values.
4. How will we ensure technology serves human freedom and Jewish values?
   
   The fourth question challenged participants to consider how AI can liberate educators and students rather than constrain them. We explored practical strategies for using AI as a tool that enhances human connection and deepens engagement with Jewish texts and traditions.

From Theory to Practice

What made this workshop particularly impactful was its focus on practical application. Participants didn’t just discuss AI theoretically—they experienced its potential through hands-on activities and collaborative learning exercises.

Dr. Tamara Miller, Education Director at Maimonides Academy, noted the “powerful intersection of creativity and practical application” in the presentation, highlighting how the workshop demonstrated concrete ways AI tools can enhance learning in Hebrew and Judaic Studies.

Drawing from my experience organizing IVRITECH conferences and implementing AI in language education, I shared specific applications that resonated with the educational leaders present:

• Personalized Hebrew instruction that adapts to individual student needs, honoring the principle of “חנוך לנער על פי דרכו” (“Educate a child according to their way”)
• AI-assisted text study that helps students connect ancient wisdom to contemporary issues
• Administrative tools that free up educator time for meaningful human interaction
• Custom curriculum development that blends traditional content with innovative delivery methods

Balancing Innovation and Tradition

A key theme throughout the workshop was finding the delicate balance between embracing cutting-edge technology and preserving the authenticity of our heritage. As I emphasized to participants, technology should enhance, not replace, the vital connection to Jewish texts and traditions.

This message particularly resonated with principals and education directors seeking to innovate without compromising their school’s Jewish identity. Through strategic planning exercises, attendees developed actionable plans for thoughtfully implementing AI tools while maintaining their core educational values.

Rabbi David Woznica, Head of School at Beth Torah Day School, reflected that the workshop “provided a clear roadmap for how we can harness these powerful tools while staying true to our mission as Jewish educators.”

Leading the Way Forward

The Day School Leadership Retreat represented a pivotal moment for Jewish education in Los Angeles, positioning our community at the forefront of educational innovation. As a change agent committed to elevating the status of Hebrew language education and professionalizing the field internationally, I was honored to contribute to this important conversation.

The future of Jewish education lies not in resisting technological change, but in thoughtfully and strategically integrating AI to create dynamic learning environments that honor our past and embrace the possibilities of the 21st century.

Through initiatives like my “שפה על הספה” (“Language on the Sofa”) program and the IVRITECH conferences, I continue to work toward this vision, bringing together Jewish educators worldwide to share best practices for integrating technology with tradition.

As we navigate this exciting frontier, the wisdom of our tradition offers valuable guidance. The very name of my presentation—”Chochmat HaBinah” (The Wisdom of Intelligence)—reflects the belief that true wisdom comes from knowing how to use our tools in service of higher purposes.

By approaching AI with intentionality, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to Jewish values, we can ensure that these powerful new tools strengthen rather than diminish the unique character of Jewish education for generations to come.

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