When you look into it, Judaism has some sort of connection to almost every culture or concept today, whether direct or inverse. As someone who frequently uses AI for a variety of purposes, I had wondered, what connection does this have to Judaism, and who better to ask than the source itself?

The following article was written in response to the prompt “write me a short article on jewish involvement in AI technology and development for the BBYO public online newsletter, The Shofar” by ChatGPT.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed from a futuristic concept into an integral part of our daily lives. Behind this technological revolution are countless individuals and communities contributing to its growth and evolution. Among these, the Jewish community stands out for its significant involvement and pioneering contributions to AI technology and development.

Historically, Jewish culture has placed a strong emphasis on education, critical thinking, and innovation. These values have naturally led many Jewish individuals to excel in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In the realm of AI, this tradition of excellence continues.

One of the most notable Jewish figures in AI is Judea Pearl, an Israeli-American computer scientist and philosopher. Pearl’s groundbreaking work in probabilistic reasoning and causality has laid the foundation for much of modern AI. He received the prestigious Turing Award in 2011, often considered the Nobel Prize of computing, for his contributions to the field.

Another influential figure is Fei-Fei Li, a Chinese-born American computer scientist of Jewish descent. As the co-director of the Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute, Li has made significant strides in computer vision and AI ethics. Her work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of how machines can perceive and interpret the world.

Jewish entrepreneurs have also played a crucial role in the AI startup ecosystem. Israel, often referred to as the “Startup Nation,” boasts a vibrant tech scene with numerous AI startups. Companies like Mobileye, founded by Jewish entrepreneur Amnon Shashua, have revolutionized the autonomous vehicle industry. Mobileye’s advanced driver-assistance systems are now used by many of the world’s leading automakers, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve in real-world applications.

The Jewish tradition of ethical consideration is evident in the community’s approach to AI development. Jewish scholars and technologists are at the forefront of discussions about the ethical implications of AI. Organizations like the Institute for Ethical AI & Machine Learning, co-founded by Jewish researcher Olivia Gambelin, are dedicated to ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, with a focus on fairness, accountability, and transparency.

Jewish institutions and organizations are also actively involved in educating the next generation of AI leaders. Programs and initiatives aimed at promoting STEM education among Jewish youth are flourishing. For example, the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology offers specialized programs in AI and machine learning, attracting students from around the world and preparing them for careers in this dynamic field.

The Jewish community’s involvement in AI technology and development is a testament to its longstanding values of education, innovation, and ethical responsibility. As AI continues to evolve and shape our future, the contributions of Jewish scientists, entrepreneurs, and thinkers will undoubtedly remain influential, ensuring that this transformative technology benefits all of humanity.