David Bashevkin & Malka Simkovich: Can Judaism Survive the AI Revolution? (Fifth Year Anniversary)

Jun 17, 2025

Malka Simkovich, a prominent Jewish scholar and director of the Jewish Publication Society, joins David Bashevkin for a thought-provoking discussion. They tackle how AI might influence rabbinic authority and the fabric of Jewish conversations. Personal anecdotes shed light on the tension between tradition and modernity, while young people's struggles with identity amidst technological advancements are explored. The conversation emphasizes the need for community unity and adaptability in the face of change, reflecting on faith's evolution in a tech-driven world.

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INSIGHT

Podcasting as Living Torah

Podcasting uniquely engages Torah Sheba'al Peh, or the oral Torah from personal experience.
It connects tradition with lived experience in a dynamic, conversational way.

INSIGHT

Crisis of Rabbinic Authority

Jewish leadership is more divided now than possibly ever before, creating community destabilization.
Young people face unprecedented complexity as they navigate information and diverse communities.

INSIGHT

Accepting Hashkafic Homelessness

Many Jews feel "hashkafically homeless," lacking a perfect institutional fit for their beliefs.
It is healthy to hold fluid relationships with institutions, family, and personal identity.

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