Like it or not, artificial intelligence is here to stay.
And believe it or not, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Sure, we’ve all heard the horror stories of deepfake videos being used to manipulate public opinion, and students passing off reports written by ChatGPT as original work. But AI’s tremendous power has incredible potential, as evidenced by Ohrbit, a new OU app that harnesses cutting-edge machine learning to create a platform offering a wide variety of Torah topics that are accessible, customizable, approachable and, best of all, free.
“We built what I call a ‘Spotify for shiurim,’” explains Rabbi Gil Student, OU director of Jewish Media, Publications and Editorial Communications. “The app learns your preferences, both by what you tell it and through your behavior—what do you listen to for a long time and what do you listen to for only a short time—giving you more of what you like and the Torah you want to learn.”
The idea for Ohrbit was born approximately a year ago, when Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, convened a group of rabbis and technology experts, professionals and lay leaders, to develop a project that would use AI for Torah purposes. Numerous conversations were held to identify the best way to harness artificial intelligence to promote Torah study. Rabbi Hauer believed strongly in bringing talented individuals together for this project to make sure that the app was carefully planned, with guidance from top experts in the field.
In keeping with its mission, Ohrbit’s name blends Torah and technology, with “ohr” meaning light and “bit” referring to the smallest measurement of data in the computer world. While the app may be AI-powered, its content comes exclusively from trusted sources, including the OU’s massive library of shiurim, the Rabbi Sacks Legacy, OpenDor Media and England’s United Synagogue, among others in the rapidly growing list of partners. Ohrbit’s goal is simple and straightforward: getting people who don’t know what they want to learn hooked on learning that resonates with them.
“Users can engage with the app however they choose,” observes Rabbi Simon Taylor, OU national director of Community Engagement. “Some may want a quick dose of daily inspiration, while others may prefer to explore specific topics in depth or learn on a more advanced level. It really depends on what kind of learning they’re seeking.”
But what makes Ohrbit truly one of a kind is its ability to learn its users’ preferences. Like Spotify and Amazon, which tailor items presented to users based on their previous selections, Ohrbit offers users options based on their prior viewing and listening habits. The app has a fun side as well, offering daily challenges à la Duolingo that give users opportunities to extend their daily learning streaks or expand their learning habits to new teachers or topics.
“We’re trying to engage people,” says Rabbi Student. “We don’t want people addicted to anything, but if they’re addicted to something, it should be Torah.”
Ohrbit also draws people in by giving them tremendous flexibility in customizing their learning experience. When setting up their accounts, users can let the app know if they prefer to learn by reading articles, watching videos or listening to lectures. Similarly, they can choose which topics interest them from a list that includes Tanach, Gemara, halachah, Jewish history, hashkafah and inspiration, with an array of presenters that spans the gamut of Orthodoxy.
Ohrbit’s chatbot is designed to handle questions from users about their learning, albeit with specific guidelines in place. While the app can draw on its library of some 150,000 shiurim and several thousand sefarim to come up with the proper answer, there is one thing it won’t do.
“We want Ohrbit helping people learn Torah rather than offering definitive answers to halachic questions,” noted Rabbi Student. “The app is programmed to explain to people why they need to ask practical questions to their rabbi, and to note the limitations of AI. Additionally, this is the only AI chatbot of which I am aware that will voluntarily admit when it does not have a source for something rather than make up a source.”
The OU is hoping that Ohrbit will particularly appeal to those with a limited Jewish education who are looking to increase their knowledge. It also gives users the comfort of being able to learn at their own pace, on their own schedule, serving as a virtual on-ramp to Judaism. Additionally, having that content delivered by an app, instead of in person, may be a good starting point for those who may be intimidated by rabbinical figures.
“There are so many people who are thirsty for Torah, especially now after October 7, who want to know more, and we’re trying to find ways to help them by using technology in a way that can promote Torah study without diluting Torah content,” explains Rabbi Student.
And while yes, AI can be a double-edged sword, it can also be a valuable support tool with virtually endless potential, when used responsibly.
“If we can figure out how to get technology to provide a really trustworthy and wholesome experience that can inspire so many more people to learn Torah, it’s a tragedy if we don’t pursue the opportunity,” concludes Rabbi Student. “Shame on us if we don’t figure out a way to harness AI to help fellow Jews.”
“Just as light flows into the streets and meets anyone who passes by, the ‘ohr’ of Ohrbit brings Torah directly to the learner, wherever they are,” adds Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, OU executive vice president and chief operating officer. “That is its gift: to reach those seeking it, and even those not yet seeking, and spread the light of Torah farther than ever before.”
Sandy Eller is a freelance writer who writes for print and web media outlets, as well as for private clients.
In This Section
Torah in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
How to Use AI (And How Not to Use It) by Dr. Moshe Koppel
When Rabbis Meet AI by Rachel Schwartzberg
AI in Medicine: Halachic Reflections on Emerging Challenges by Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner
Spotify for Shiurim? The OU’s AI-Powered App Provides Customized Torah Learning by Sandy Eller