A remarkable archaeological discovery and a centuries-old spiritual tradition take center stage in today's "Israel Update." Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered artifacts believed to date back to the Second Temple Period, including a ritual bath, a clay cooking pot, and a rare purple dye snail shell. Experts say the find sheds light on the deep historical connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel. Plus, Israel correspondent Jodie Cohen reports from Jerusalem on Selichot, the late-night prayer services held in the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah. Worshippers explain why the tradition remains a powerful time for forgiveness, reflection, and national unity.
What happens when you test an AI version of a rabbi—live on camera—against the real thing? Host Shabbos Kestenbaum pulls out his phone mid-conversation and puts Rabbi Simon Jacobson's own AI chatbot to the ultimate test. First, he asks the real rabbi. Then he asks the AI. And the room goes completely silent. The AI's answer is so precise, so theologically rich, and so unexpectedly humble—Rabbi Jacobson can't believe it. And then comes the moment nobody saw coming: "Does this count as complimenting yourself?" This clip covers: Can an AI fulfill the ancient Jewish obligation to "make for yourself a rabbi”? The live on-air test: real rabbi vs. AI rabbi—who answers better? The AI's stunning answer on idolatry, digital gods, and human…
Despite the ongoing war in Iran, thousands of young adults are set to travel to Israel this summer through the Birthright Israel Foundation, the program that sends Jewish young adults on a free 10-day trip to Israel. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Birthright Israel experience, and the organization is closing in on one million participants worldwide who have taken part in it. The President and CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation, Elias Saratovsky, joins Morning Joe to discuss why the experience is more vital today than ever.
American Thinker AI By Judd Dunning Antisemitism has worked its way into the heart of American politics, but a few good guys are drawing a clear line against it.
By Susan Quinn As the civilized world fights rising antisemitism, it’s very helpful to look at wisdom from one of the bravest soldiers in the battle against this scourge.
Perchance AI By Eileen F. Toplansky Are temple members being mesmerized by radical left-wing ideology without realizing the ulterior motives behind it?
By Tsahi Shemesh History shows that pandering to the antisemites by disavowing Judaism or Zionism will not save leftist Jews when the antisemites are ascendant.
By Jerold Levoritz Part of what has kept Judaism alive for over 3,000 years is its refusal to forget. Today, we remember sorrow, but we remember joy and liberty from God, too.
