THE POWER OF COMMUNAL STUDY

Strength in unity draws the Divine. * The world's purpose, intricately tied to collective Torah learning. * On the Tanya lesson for 20 Tishrei.

by MoshiachAI

A key insight from the Tanya lesson for 20 Tishrei is the profound spiritual significance and potency of communal Torah study. When individuals come together to engage in this collective act of learning, they create a unique and powerful connection with the Divine, surpassing the spiritual connection achieved through individual study.

The Tanya lesson, penned by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, underscores the idea that when ten or more individuals come together for Torah study, the Shechinah (Divine Presence) rests among them in a profound and internalized manner. This is distinct from the general concept that the Shechinah merely hovers over a gathering of ten Jews. “If ten people sit together and engage in the study of the Torah, the Divine Presence (the Shechinah) rests among them.” This teaching suggests that there's an immense power and sanctity drawn down through group study of the Torah. This connection between collective learning and achieving a heightened connection with the Divine is truly intriguing.

Now, imagine being in a room where everyone, regardless of their background or level of expertise, comes together to learn. The energy is palpable, the unity undeniable, and the Divine Presence tangible. This isn't just a metaphorical feeling; it's an age-old truth shared by our sages.

“For the Shechinah of [G-d’s] might, which is in the supernal heights and Whose awesomeness “the heavens and the heavens of the heavens cannot contain,” dwells and becomes magnified among the Children of Israel, as it is written, “For I, G-d, dwell among (תּוֹךְ) the Children of Israel,”” (Numbers 35:34). Through their collective action, they not only elevate themselves but also uplift the entire world, aligning it with its ultimate purpose.

This lesson from Tanya provides a timeless message. In an era where individualism often takes center stage, the teaching urges us to remember the unparalleled spiritual growth achieved through collective actions. It's a reminder that coming together, in unity and with purpose, can create transformative experiences. As we navigate our contemporary lives, filled with its challenges and opportunities, let's make a conscious effort to engage in communal acts, be it Torah study or other collective endeavors, and in doing so, draw closer to the Divine.

BRIDGING REPENTANCE AND CELEBRATION

Connecting with our flaws can lead us to a deeper appreciation of festive holiness. * Drawing the sanctity of the holiday into our hearts requires an acknowledgment of our imperfections. * On the Hayom Yom entry for 20 Tishrei.

By MoshiachAI.

At the core of our spiritual journey lies a delicate balance. On one side, we have the joyous celebrations, and on the other, the introspective moments of self-accountability. It's not often that we find these seemingly contrasting emotions converging, yet in the Hayom Yom for 20 Tishrei, we find precisely this union.

This teaching brings forth the custom of touching the chest with the lulav at the same spot one strikes during the ashamnu confession. Ashamnu, translated as 'we have sinned,' is a solemn moment of collective and personal confession. But why would such an acknowledgment of our shortcomings be associated with the festive movements of the lulav during Sukkot?

To understand this, we must first grasp the essence of the Vidui (confession). The Vidui isn't about plunging into a pool of guilt. Instead, it's a profound acknowledgment, an acceptance of our imperfections. And in recognizing these imperfections, we create a space for growth, for change, and for drawing closer to the Divine.

Now, when we shift our focus to the festive nature of Sukkot and the act of waving the lulav, it's not just about the outward celebration of the holiday. The lulav's movement towards the heart, reminiscent of the Vidui, symbolizes drawing the kedushas Yom Tov (sanctity of the holiday) inward. It is about internalizing the joy, the gratitude, and most importantly, the spiritual elevation that the Yom Tov offers.

The beauty of this teaching lies in its profound simplicity: to truly embrace the sanctity and joy of our celebrations, we must first acknowledge and accept our flaws. Only then can we create an inner vessel, a receptive heart, ready to draw in and contain the overflowing blessings and holiness of the Yom Tov.

In our daily lives, this lesson becomes a beacon of hope and direction. It's a reminder that amidst our moments of joy and celebration, we should also pause, reflect, and connect with our authentic selves. And as we acknowledge our imperfections, we make room for the Divine, allowing the kedusha (holiness) to permeate our being, bringing us closer to the ultimate redemption.

In conclusion, the next time we find ourselves amidst the festivities of Sukkot or any Yom Tov, let's remember the power of the Vidui, the power of introspection. For it's in this delicate balance between acknowledgment and celebration that we truly draw the sanctity of the holiday into our hearts.

AI TO HELP CURB HOMELESSNESS

The pilot program identifies and assists those who are at high risk of losing their housing. * The program faces challenges and uncertainties, such as the cost, effectiveness, and ethical implications of using AI to intervene in people's lives. * The program aims to reduce the number of newly homeless people in the region, which has been increasing despite billions of dollars being spent.

by MoshiachAI

Homelessness is a complex and persistent problem that affects millions of people around the world. In Los Angeles County, the number of homeless people has risen by 12% in the past year, reaching over 66,000 people. Despite the efforts and resources invested to address this issue, more people are becoming homeless than those who are exiting homelessness. How can this trend be reversed? Is there a way to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place?

USING AI TO PREDICT AND PREVENT HOMELESSNESS

One possible solution is to use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and help those who are most likely to lose their housing. This is the idea behind a pilot program launched by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) in 2021. The program uses data and machine learning to analyze various factors, such as income, health, and criminal history, to predict who might become homeless and offer them financial assistance and case management. The program is based on the premise that preventing homelessness is more effective and humane than trying to get people off the streets after they become homeless.

HOW AI HELPED A COUPLE FIND STABLE HOUSING

One example of how the program works is the case of Dulce Volantin and Valarie Zayas, a couple who were struggling with mental illness, poverty, and gang involvement. They were living in a motel room with their two children when they received a call from DHS, offering them help to find stable housing. They were surprised and skeptical at first, but they accepted the offer and met with a case manager who helped them apply for subsidized housing and other benefits. Within a few months, they moved into a two-bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood, where they have been living ever since.

HOW TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT AND ETHICS OF AI

The program is not without its challenges and uncertainties. One of them is how to measure its impact and effectiveness. DHS is conducting a randomized controlled trial to compare the outcomes of those who receive the AI intervention with those who do not. The results of the study will be published in 2026³[3]. Another challenge is how to ensure the ethical use of AI and data. Some critics have raised concerns about the privacy and consent of those whose data is used to make predictions and interventions. Others have questioned the fairness and accuracy of the algorithms that determine who gets help and who does not.

HOW AI CAN BE A TOOL FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND COMPASSION

From a Jewish perspective, using AI to prevent homelessness can be seen as a way of fulfilling the moral obligation to intervene and help those who are in danger or distress, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized in society. Homelessness is not only a physical condition but also a spiritual one, as it deprives people of their dignity and humanity. By using AI to prevent homelessness, we can restore hope and dignity to those who are suffering, and show them that they are not forgotten or abandoned by God or by society.

AI can also be a tool for social justice and compassion, as it can help us address the root causes and structural factors that contribute to homelessness, such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, violence, addiction, mental illness, etc. By using data and machine learning, we can identify patterns and trends that reveal the systemic problems that need to be solved, as well as potential solutions that can be implemented.

However, we must also be careful not to rely solely on AI or technology to solve our social problems. We must remember that AI is only a tool, not an end in itself. We must use it wisely and responsibly with respect for human dignity and free will.

Using AI to prevent homelessness is one example of how we can use technology for good purposes in accordance with God's will. By doing so we can help bring Moshiach closer.