Rabbi Rachel Barenblat recently published a thoughtful essay on her blog, Velveteen Rabbi, called “The words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart (or: why I refuse AI)”. She offers seven reasons she chooses not to use generative AI for sermons, Torah, poetry, or other creative writing. (Velveteen Rabbi)
Rachel is a friend and colleague, and I appreciate both the seriousness of her concerns and the care with which she makes the case. I agree with a great deal of what she raises. I reach a different conclusion about what those concerns ask of us.
So here is my response, point by point.
Full disclosure: I used AI in writing this piece. I used it to help me organize my thinking, sharpen arguments, and edit the prose. The ideas and judgments are mine, and I reviewed and revised the finished piece myself.
1. There’s value in the wrestle
