The Gatekeeper

Should I use AI for this?

Before you open a chatbot, ask us. We have opinions. Some are firm, some are complicated, none are boring.

FAILED#

Write my entire D'var Torah

Absolutely not. This is your moment on the bimah — not the robot's.

Try our Parashah Sparker for questions to help you write it yourself.

FAILED#

Write thank-you notes to guests

Aunt Sylvia bought you a fountain pen. She deserves a real note. Go find a pen.

PASSED#

Brainstorm mitzvah project ideas

AI is great at mashing up your hobbies with local causes. Brainstorm away — then go do the actual work.

PASSED#

Explain a weird Hebrew word or phrase

Language models are amazing cultural translators. Just double-check the nuance with a human before quoting it.

PASSED#

Brainstorm party themes

Perfect job for the machine. Weird themes are its natural habitat.

IT'S COMPLICATED#

Write the 13 candle-lighting poems

AI can outline them, but the specific memories have to come from you. Otherwise your grandma will know.

FAILED#

Write my parent speech from scratch

Your kid will know. They always know. Use our Anecdote Organizer instead.

PASSED#

Help me structure a speech I've already brainstormed

Absolutely. Bring your own memories, let the machine help with flow.

IT'S COMPLICATED#

Solve the seating chart

AI doesn't know Uncle Marty stopped talking to Cousin Rachel in 2011. This one's still on you.

PASSED#

Draft invitation copy

Fine — but rewrite it in your own voice. Otherwise every kid's invite starts to sound the same.

PASSED#

Summarize what happens in my parashah

Great starting point. Then go read the actual thing, because AI will absolutely miss the good parts.

IT'S COMPLICATED#

Practice my Torah reading

Nothing replaces your cantor or tutor. AI can help you drill words, but it can't hear you like a person can.