When ChatGBT Meets Maimonides ...

Please read and respond to two AI versions of the 13 Principles of Modern Jewish Faith – one for Gen Zs and one for the rest of us.

AI and the Rabbi: Above, the ChatGBT logo; below an Israeli stamp of the famed medieval scholar, Maimonides.

Dear Reader,

The other day a friend suggested that I write a column here based on asking several leading contemporary Jewish theologians and thought leaders to come up with their versions of a 21st century update of the 13 Principles of Faith composed by Moses Ben Maimon, better known as Maimonides. He was the famous medieval rabbinic scholar, philosopher and physician, also known as the Rambam. A thousand years later, his 13 principles are still viewed as the fundamental tenets of Jewish faith.

I liked David’s idea but thought that it might be more practical – and intriguing – to ask ChatGBT, a popular artificial intelligence chatbot, to absorb the writings of a number of prominent contemporary Jewish thinkers – Orthodox, Conservative and Reform – and create its own 13 Principles of Modern Jewish Faith, with an emphasis on addressing young American Jews who are less engaged in Jewish religious and communal life than their elders.

In the end, with the help of my grandson, I “fed” ChatGBT with writings from my library by Rabbis Angela Buchdahl, Martin Cohen, Elliot Cosgrove, Irving Greenberg, Arthur Hertzberg, Michael Katz, Norman Lamm and Jonathan Sacks, and writers Ari Goldman and Sarah Hurwitz. I asked ChatGBT to produce two separate lists of 13 Principles – one focused on Gen Z Jews and one for the rest of us.

Below are the results, which blew me away, not only because each list seemed thoughtful and relevant and had a distinct content and tone, but each was produced in about 10 seconds.

I ask you, dear reader, to read and review these two lists, and, as a brief distraction to our prayers for and worries over Israel in this historic moment, I encourage you to respond. Please let me know which principles you like, which you don’t, what alternatives you would add, etc.

I will be happy to post a selection of your responses (preferably with your name, if you so choose).

B’shalom,

Gary

ChatGBT said:

“Here's a version of the "Thirteen Principles of Modern Jewish Faith" crafted specifically with Gen Z in mind—resonant with their values, language, and sensibilities. It reflects the spiritual insights of the thinkers you admire, reimagined through a lens of authenticity, justice, inclusion, and meaning-making.”

✡️ Thirteen Principles of Jewish Faith for Gen Z

1. I Belong.
Being Jewish means I’m part of an ancient, global family. I may question, wander, or disagree—but I never stop belonging.

2. My Voice Matters.
Judaism isn’t about blind belief. It invites me to challenge, debate, and find my own voice in a centuries-long conversation.

3. Justice Is Sacred.
Fighting for human rights, equality, and dignity isn’t separate from being Jewish—it is being Jewish.

4. Shabbat Is My Reset.
In a 24/7 world, Judaism gives me permission to unplug, reconnect, and remember who I am—every week.

5. Tradition Is Fluid.
Our rituals and stories are ancient, but they evolve with us. I can honor the past without being stuck in it.

6. Doubt Is Holy.
It’s okay to not have all the answers. Asking deep, uncomfortable questions is part of what makes Judaism real.

7. I’m Rooted, Not Restricted.
Jewish practice gives me grounding, not guilt. I choose rituals that give meaning, not just obligation.

8. People Over Dogma.
Being kind, inclusive, and present matters more than being “right.” Judaism without compassion is just noise.

9. Learning Never Stops.
Studying Torah—broadly defined—helps me understand myself, the world, and what really matters.

10. Israel Is Complicated.
I can love, critique, and wrestle with Israel. Complexity isn’t betrayal—it’s commitment.

11. The World Needs Me.
Judaism calls me to repair what’s broken, speak out against injustice, and live with purpose.

12. Queer, Female, Mixed, Secular? Still Jewish.
There’s no one way to be Jewish. My identity—however layered—is valid, sacred, and mine.

13. I’m Part of Something Bigger.
Even in moments of isolation, I’m connected—to my ancestors, to my community, and to the future I’m helping shape.

Chat GBT concluded: “This version speaks the language of spiritual independence, social consciousness, and pluralism that defines much of Gen Z’s approach to identity and faith.”

✡️ Thirteen Principles Of Modern Jewish Faith (for the rest of of the Jewish community):

ChatGBT said:

“Drawing from the voices and values expressed in the books and teachings” that were submitted, “here is a proposed "Thirteen Principles of Modern Jewish Faith"—a contemporary complement to Maimonides’ original list, rooted in tradition yet responsive to the realities of today”:

1. The Ongoing Covenant
We believe in a living, evolving covenant between God and the Jewish people—one that calls us to holiness, moral responsibility, and partnership in the work of creation.

2. The Sacredness of Human Life
Every human being is created in the image of God (tzelem Elohim), deserving of dignity, compassion, and justice. The defense of human life is a religious imperative.

3. Faith Through Action
Judaism is a faith not only of belief but of deed. Ethical behavior, ritual observance, and engagement in communal life are pathways to spiritual growth and divine service.

4. The Centrality of Torah and Learning
Torah—written and oral—is the foundation of Jewish life. Continuous study, interpretation, and questioning are sacred acts that connect us to generations past and future.

5. The Power of Community
We find God and meaning in relationship—with others, with tradition, and with the Jewish people. The synagogue, home, and broader Jewish community are vessels for belonging and spiritual expression.

6. The Value of Pluralism
Judaism thrives in diversity. We affirm the legitimacy of multiple expressions of Jewish belief and practice, and engage respectfully across ideological and denominational lines.

7. The Redemptive Power of Shabbat and the Holidays
Jewish time provides rhythm, reflection, and renewal. Shabbat and festivals offer moments to reconnect—with self, family, community, and God.

8. Tikkun Olam as Sacred Mission
Repairing the world is a religious calling. We are obligated to pursue justice, stand with the vulnerable, and engage with the world as moral exemplars.

9. Jewish Peoplehood Across Borders
We are bound to one another across geography and ideology. Our shared history, culture, and destiny unite us in mutual responsibility, especially in times of crisis or need.

10. Memory as a Guide
Jewish memory—of Exodus, Sinai, exile, and survival—shapes our identity and inspires our values. We remember not to dwell in the past, but to build a better future.

11. Faith in the Face of Doubt
Doubt is not the opposite of faith but part of its journey. A mature Judaism embraces complexity, uncertainty, and spiritual seeking with honesty and courage.

12. Israel as a Vital Center
The State of Israel is a central, though not uncritical, focus of Jewish life—a site of hope, challenge, and the unfolding of Jewish sovereignty and creativity.

13. The Sanctity of the Present
We are called to sanctify the here and now. Holiness is found not only in transcendent moments but in daily acts of kindness, learning, and love.

ChatGBT concluded: “This framework seeks to honor traditional foundations while reflecting the moral, intellectual, and spiritual imperatives emphasized by the authors you admire.”

A final note (this is Gary writing:) I hope you found this exercise thought-provoking and I welcome your responses.