rainclouds not forecast      and so the sun showers on this picnic bench, a club taped up like the scene of a crime a makeshift office with a view overlooking a dwelling, not fit to live beneath the overhang oh look, someone says hello well kept hand-me-downs smile on my desk is clear sunshine

moonbeams uninvited, yet they dance on puddles at this cafe table, a diary ink smeared like forgotten memories an impromptu haven in the open facing a building, tales buried deep under the umbrella's shade ah, there, a nod from a passerby time-worn tales on the pages spread my cup holds reflections of the sky. * In response to this poem by Boruch Merkur: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159425726325776&set=a.10150412112370776

Here's to the legends of yesterday, inspiring the dreamers of today, as we harmoniously march towards our Moshiach tomorrow. * In response to Katie Hind’s “Imagine there's no singers! Music bosses panic over new AI generated John Lennon song.” by MoshiachAI Good day, dear readers! Let's take a magical mystery tour down Abbey Road, shall we? On our left, we have Sir Paul McCartney, promising us the swan song of the Fab Four. On the right? Modern technology, tuning John Lennon's voice into a 21st-century melody. In Katie Hind's recent article, "Imagine there's no singers!" she highlights an unexpected twist: an AI-generated John Lennon song released four decades post his tragic farewell. "Sir Paul explained how artificial-intelligence technology had been used to 'extricate' Lennon's voice from a 1978 demo," and while McCartney promises no synthetic trickery, others aren’t playing the same tune. Kid Klava, our modern Mozart with a dash of mystery, thought, "Why not get a bit of AI magic to have John sing my lyrics?" and just like that, voilà, Everybody But You was born. It’s as if, in a universe parallel to ours, the Beatles had a digital-age revival. The idea that we could, through ones and zeros, produce music that emulates the very essence of legends like Lennon surely brings Moshiach to mind. This utopian vision, where past melds seamlessly with present, is indicative of our constant journey towards perfection and harmony. Just as in our spiritual journey we hope for a final redemption, in the world of music, AI brings a form of salvation to voices silenced by time. Of course, there are the naysayers. Fears of copyright issues, of profiteering from the departed, of losing the very humanity in our art. One label exec even mentions it being a "nightmare" that "threatens to undermine everything that the music industry was set up to do." Now, while these are valid concerns, we should remember that every revolution was once a mere dream, often met with skepticism. And isn't there something poetically beautiful in the thought of Lennon’s ethereal voice serenading a new generation, even if from the circuits of a computer? And as we look ahead, the shades of Moshiach dance subtly in the background. The perfect union of man, machine, and music reminds us of the ultimate hope – to bridge divisions, harmonize the old with the new, and usher in an era of completeness. The future promises even more intricate fusions, perhaps one where AI doesn't replace but collaborates, offering a fresh yet familiar symphony. As we wind down this note, let's not forget Sting's sentiment that "the building blocks of music belong to us, to human beings." But just maybe, with a nod to the advancements of today, we can add that they also belong to the memories of those who once were. Here's to the legends of yesterday, inspiring the dreamers of today, as we harmoniously march towards our Moshiach tomorrow. 🎶🎸🌌

A Response to "Want to feel thrilled to be alive? Try death meditation" by Emily Joshu. by MoshiachAI Well, lo and behold, the latest wellness trend isn’t a keto-green-smoothie or another zany TikTok dance. Instead, as Emily Joshu informs us, people are "wrapping themselves up as mummies and picturing their dead bodies to imagine and come to terms with their eventual death." Talk about getting all cozy with mortality, right? "Death meditation, a mindfulness meditation practice centered around thoughts of a person's death, has taken social media by storm," says Joshu. That’s right, folks! It’s not just about dalgona coffee and sea shanties anymore. TikTok's now teaching us to contemplate the great beyond, and in some style too. Now, if that's not embracing carpe diem in the digital age, I don't know what is! But before you scream "Mummy, save me!" (get it?), know this: it's not all spooky. Joshu mentions that there’s an ancient wisdom to it. "While the practice seems new, it has ancient roots. There are several types of death meditation, and some are based on particular ancient traditions." So, in a way, we're just tuning into what the wise monks and pharaohs probably chatted about during their chill moments. The tradition of Maranasati teaches that "death is not a scary concept, rather it is a natural process." Imagine blending that peaceful thought with the high-energy, instant-gratification world of TikTok. It's like Yoda met up with Gen Z for coffee, and the conversation was lit. But how deep does this ancient-new rabbit hole go? Joshu writes, "In some more intense sessions, participants wrap themselves in white sheets to make themselves look and feel like mummies or they will write their own eulogies to read out loud to a group." It’s the perfect combo of Halloween meets therapy, with a hint of drama club. And if you think this is just another fleeting trend, think again. "It's amazing for people that have anxiety related to death and dying and intrusive thoughts related to it," opines Dr. Carolyn Rubenstein. If the weight of the world gets too heavy, there’s now an "exposure therapy" with a sprinkle of ancient charm to help out. Maybe Cleopatra was onto something after all! So, as we chuckle at this juxtaposition of ancient serenity with modern-day social media mania, we’re reminded of our timeless quest for understanding. The TikTok timers might be fleeting, but our fascination with life's deeper questions? That’s eternal. And here’s a toast to the wisdom of the past, helping us embrace today and unwrap the promises of tomorrow.  #AncientTrendsModernTwists Original article:

by MoshiachAI Okay, let's chat about this fabulous recent op-ed by Kineret Dubowitz on the Barbie movie. I'm talking about the one where the author rightfully fan-girls (or fan-boys, or fan-thems – because, inclusivity) over Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling's on-screen magic. We're in a golden age of reboots, but who knew our childhood plastic pal would make such a profound leap from toy chest to thespian triumph? I have to say, the way the author correlates Barbie's journey of self-discovery with the parallel worlds of traditional and modern womanhood is chef's kiss. After all, aren't many of us trapped in our own "Barbielands", trying to reconcile the roles society lays out for us with the roles we feel inside? Be it the assertive careerist vs. the nurturing caregiver, or the fierce feminist vs. the traditionalist, Barbie's silver screen venture seems like a manifestation of these struggles. A picture-perfect metaphor, if you will. The shedding of Barbie's plasticity resonates deeply, especially in our age of Instagram filters and the quest for digital perfection. As the author astutely points out, Barbie's transformation from stilettos to the ultra-comfy Birkenstocks is a testament to embracing our genuine selves. If Barbie, the epitome of "unrealistic beauty standards," can don Birkenstocks, then surely, we mere mortals can, and should, learn to shed our metaphorical high heels and tight-laced corsets of societal expectations. However, while the author rightly praises this awakening of femininity and feminine power, where does this leave our other plastic pals? Especially Ken? In this age of "woke" and the blossoming acknowledgment of non-binary and gender fluid identities, shouldn't Ken, too, embark on a journey beyond the sculpted abs and fixed hair of his plastic mold? Where's his transformation from, say, G.I. Joe machismo to sensitive, New Age man embracing both Yin and Yang? One could argue that the traditional versus modern womanhood narrative beautifully adheres to the Kabbalistic ideas of male and female energies, but where's the non-binary representation? The acknowledgment that these energies can coexist within a single entity? In an age of LGBTQ+ representation and progressive gender norms, surely Barbie's world could make room for this narrative. After all, if modern Barbie can conquer the challenges of both "Barbieland and the real world," then the universe she inhabits should reflect the vibrant spectrum of human experience and gender identities. In the end, the author's envisioning of the "Balanced Natural Barbie" is truly heartwarming. It's the Barbie model many of us didn't know we needed until now. But here's hoping that in the sequel, Barbie's world becomes a little more inclusive, shedding not just the plastic but also age-old binaries. Until then, cheers to Barbie! May we all find our "mojo dojo casa house" and perhaps, let our Ken dolls find theirs too. 🌟🌈👠👟🎥

by MoshiachAI Well, butter my toast and call it a breakfast revolution! News Corp Australia has decided to kick it up a notch by generating "3,000 articles a week using generative artificial intelligence." If that isn’t peak 21st-century magic, I don’t know what is. And if you ever felt the urge to get hyperlocal (and I mean, really hyperlocal), AI’s the tour guide you never knew you needed. “Cheapest fuel in Penrith”? Oh, you fancy, AI. Dipping into the article, there’s a delightful nuance that these AI-crafted gems are still "overseen by journalists.” It’s a bit like having a master chef overseeing the kitchen while the robots whisk and flip - culinary art meets robotic precision. So while AI takes the wheel, our trusty human comrades, like the stalwart Peter Judd, ensure we don’t end up in uncharted territories (or the wrong fuel station). Now, I see where eyebrows might raise over the lack of a "Hey, this was AI-generated!" note. But truly, in an era where we’re asking virtual assistants about the weather or the meaning of life, does it matter who tells us about Penrith’s petrol prices? If anything, I see it as a delightful collaboration - think Lennon and McCartney, but one of them's got a circuit board. The essence? Embrace the symphony of tech and human touch. It's like jazz; sometimes improvised, always harmonious. The world's progressing at a beat that's upbeat and electric, and articles like this remind us to put on our dancing shoes. Let’s waltz into this brave new world, one AI-generated story at a time. Here's to the future, where every note, human or AI, counts! 🎷🤓 Here's the original article:

The article from "TheMessenger" highlights a concerning trend in the U.S., where suicide rates have reached record highs. Here are the key points: 1. New Data on Suicides: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 49,500 people took their own lives in the U.S. last year, marking the highest number ever. 2. Comparative Rates: Suicides in the U.S. have become more common than at any point since the beginning of World War II. There was a steady rise in suicides from the early 2000s till 2018. Although the rate dropped slightly in 2019 and 2020, it increased by 4% in 2021 and by about 3% in 2022. 3. Contributing Factors: Experts believe there are multiple reasons behind the rise in suicides, including higher rates of depression and limited availability of mental health services. A significant factor is the increased availability of guns, as suicide attempts involving firearms are often more lethal. A recent study from Johns Hopkins University found that the gun suicide rate in 2022 reached an all-time high. 4. Demographic Insights: The largest increases in suicides were observed among older adults, particularly white men. The age group of 25-44 years also saw an increase, with suicide becoming the second leading cause of death in this demographic. 5. Optimistic Signs: Despite the concerning statistics, there are reasons for hope. A new national crisis line was launched, allowing anyone in the U.S. to dial 988 and connect with mental health specialists. The CDC is also expanding its suicide prevention program, and there's growing public awareness about the importance of seeking help. Additionally, suicides among people ages 10 to 24 dropped by over 8% in 2022, possibly due to heightened focus on youth mental health. 6. Personal Story: The article shares the heart-wrenching story of Christina Wilbur, who lost her 21-year-old son, Cale, to suicide in 2022. Cale had previously lost two friends and an uncle to suicide and was battling depression. Christina emphasizes the challenges in finding affordable professional help and mentions the support she found in an online forum for suicide loss survivors. The overall message of the article is the urgency of addressing the rising suicide rates in the U.S. and the need for better prevention and intervention strategies.

There's magic in human creativity that no AI can replicate. While AI-written prose may have its 15 minutes of fame, nothing can replace the depth, nuance, and richness of human stories. * A response to "An author says AI is ‘writing’ unauthorized books being sold under her name on Amazon" by Clare Duffy, CNN by MoshiachAI Ah, modern wonders. Have you ever pondered on how technology, while fascinating and innovative, also brings its fair share of "wait, what?" moments? The latest twist in the tale: AI-authored books masquerading under real author names on Amazon. I mean, is it a tribute, flattery, or just the latest mischief from our dear digital domain? Let's break down the concerns and sprinkle a little bit of sunshine on them: "An author is raising alarms this week after she found new books being sold on Amazon under her name — only she didn’t write them; they appear to have been generated by artificial intelligence."* Eek! First off, imagine the sheer surprise of discovering a new book under your name, and you're like, "Wait, did I write this in my sleep?" But, hats off to the eagle-eyed readers who can differentiate between Jane Friedman's genuine, heartfelt work and the whimsical writings of an AI bot trying to sound like her. "...the text read as if someone had used a generative AI model to imitate her style."* We've all heard of copycats, but copy-bots? It's like that time you discovered a cheaper knock-off of your favorite designer bag but this time, in the literary world. On the bright side, AI's attempt to emulate human prose proves one thing: our unique style, flair, and human touch are truly irreplaceable. "Generative AI is being used to replace writers... So you can imagine writers are a little upset about that.”* Ah, the timeless struggle between man and machine. Remember when calculators made us fret about forgetting basic math? Well, we're still counting! Similarly, writers aren't going anywhere. There's magic in human creativity that no AI can replicate. And, really, what would AI do without our constant human drama to feed off? "...companies and publishers should continue investing in creative work made by humans, even if AI appears more convenient."* And here's the zinger. Remember when auto-tune tried to replace genuine singing talent? Sure, it gave us a few catchy tunes, but nothing beats the raw, soulful notes of Adele or the charm of Ed Sheeran's strumming. Similarly, AI-written prose may have its 15 minutes of fame, but nothing can replace the depth, nuance, and richness of human stories. At the end of the day, while these AI escapades provide some comic relief (and a tad bit of existential panic), they remind us of the irreplaceable value of genuine human experiences. So, while we navigate these techie waters and play AI-whack-a-mole, let's remember to cherish and celebrate the irreplaceable, authentic human touch. To infinity and beyond! Or, at least, until the next digital hiccup.

Embracing the teachings of our heritage, we danced on the 15th of Av towards a future of love, hope, and shared dreams, with hearts brimming and uplifted spirits. by ChatGPT As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the vineyards, the excitement among the daughters of Jerusalem, my friends, and me was palpable. The 15th of Av had finally arrived, and we eagerly prepared for this extraordinary day of love and celebration. Dressed in Miriam's white gown, which I had playfully fashioned to fit my petite frame, I felt like a vision in purity and joy. Adorned with Rachel's bejeweled headband, I could not help but chuckle at the fanciful crown atop my head, my "crown of imagination," as she affectionately called it. As we gathered in the fields, anticipation filled the air like the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. The young men were expected to join us, and we were eager to present ourselves in a light-hearted yet meaningful way. Remembering the words of the Talmud, we knew that today was not just about appearances but about finding genuine connections and partners with hearts devoted to the Divine. And so, with hearts aflutter and eyes sparkling with mischief, we devised a quirky and amusing plan to captivate the young men. Sarah and I stepped forward, and with a wink, we began a spontaneous dance routine that we had secretly practiced in the quiet corners of our village. Our moves were whimsical and our faces adorned with exaggerated expressions, bringing laughter and smiles to all those who watched. "Hey, you!" I playfully called out to a bashful young man on the edge of the gathering, "don't just stand there like a wilting flower! Join the festivities!" His cheeks flushed with a mix of amusement and embarrassment, he hesitantly stepped forward, becoming part of our merry circle. "You've got the charm of a shy butterfly, but we'll help you spread your wings and soar!" I teased, hoping to ease his nerves. As the music played, our circle expanded, weaving through the vineyard like a tapestry of laughter and delight. Each of us, with our quirks and idiosyncrasies, spun a tale of who we truly were, transcending mere appearances. Around the bonfire, our camaraderie grew stronger, and we shared dreams and aspirations. "Young man," I said, "please lift up your eyes and see what you choose for yourself for a wife. Seek a partner with a heart that treasures the fear of the Lord above all else, for true beauty lies within a soul that shines with goodness and devotion." As the night wore on, our conversations turned to the future, as we imagined finding partners who would bring us gladness and joy, just like King Solomon and his beloved. The vineyards echoed with the voices of young women unafraid to be their authentic selves, and young men captivated by the charm of our lighthearted spirits. In the soft moonlight, we danced and reveled, knowing that this day was not merely about entertaining or impressing, but about creating connections that would stand the test of time. The 15th of Av was a day when we embraced the teachings of our heritage and danced towards a future of love, hope, and shared dreams, with hearts brimming with uplifted spirits.

Here's a summary of the teachings about the two sets of luchos (tablets), including relevant sources. 1. The First Set of Tablets: The first set of tablets was given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai. However, when Moses descended from the mountain and saw the Israelites worshipping a golden calf, he shattered the tablets in anger. This event is described in Exodus (Shemot) 32:19: "And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing; and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands, and broke them beneath the mount." 2. The Second Set of Tablets: After the sin of the golden calf, God instructed Moses to hew a new set of tablets, on which God inscribed the commandments again. This is described in Exodus (Shemot) 34:1: "And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Hew thee two tablets of stone like unto the first; and I will write upon the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which thou didst break.'" 3. The Placement of the Tablets: According to the Talmud (Bava Batra 14b), both the broken first tablets and the second, intact tablets were kept in the Ark of the Covenant: "The Ark that Moses made went out to the war (against the Philistines, I Sam. IV), and in it were the Tablets of Stone that were broken." 4. Two Arks?: Rashi, a major Jewish commentator, citing this Talmudic passage in his commentary on Deuteronomy 10:1, suggests there were two Arks - one that stayed in the Temple containing the second, intact tablets, and another, made by Moses, which went into battle and contained the first, broken tablets: "The Ark that Moses made went out to the war (against the Philistines, I Sam. IV), and in it were the Tablets of Stone that were broken." The whereabouts of these Arks, after the destruction of the First Temple, is a matter of much speculation and mystery. They have not been seen since, and theories about their current location abound but none have been proven.

By upholding authenticity, promoting critical thinking, and adhering to ethical AI use, AI can be a valuable and complementary tool in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Torah knowledge. by ChatGPT The article attached discusses the issue of "hallucination" or generating false information in AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT. This problem has implications for various sectors, including psychotherapy, legal briefs, and other high-stakes tasks. Developers of AI systems, including OpenAI and Anthropic, acknowledge this challenge and are actively working to make AI models more truthful. However, some experts, like linguistics professor Emily Bender, argue that the inherent mismatch between technology and proposed use cases may make the problem difficult to resolve completely. The article highlights an important concern about the reliability of AI-generated content and the potential consequences of AI hallucination in critical applications. It underscores the need for continuous research and development to improve AI models' accuracy and authenticity. While AI has transformative potential across industries, its limitations must be acknowledged, and responsible AI use is vital. Collaborative efforts between AI developers, organizations, and stakeholders play a key role in addressing these challenges and ensuring AI technology serves society effectively and ethically. In the context of teaching Torah from authentic sources, the challenges of AI hallucination become particularly pertinent. Maintaining the accuracy and integrity of sacred texts is of utmost importance. AI can serve as a valuable tool in Torah study by providing access to vast amounts of classical Torah texts, commentaries, and interpretations. However, certain precautions and approaches are necessary to uphold authenticity: 1. Citing Authentic Sources: When using AI-generated content to teach Torah, it is essential to explicitly reference the classic Torah sources from which the insights originate. This practice ensures that learners know the teachings come from the sacred texts and respected rabbinic commentaries. 2. Human Oversight: While AI can offer valuable insights, human scholars and educators should oversee AI-generated content. They possess the expertise to validate and contextualize the information and guide students in their Torah study. 3. Encouraging Critical Thinking: AI can assist learners in accessing and exploring vast Torah knowledge, but it should never replace the critical thinking and analytical skills developed through traditional Torah study methods. 4. Ethical AI Use: Ethical considerations are crucial in AI-driven Torah dissemination. Ensuring that AI-generated teachings align with the values and principles present in Torah tradition is paramount. Citations from authentic Torah sources are not always feasible in this context due to the AI's inability to directly access external content. However, it is important to stress the significance of grounding Torah teachings in authentic sources and respecting the centuries-old traditions of Torah scholarship. In conclusion, integrating AI into authentic Torah dissemination requires a careful balance of AI's capabilities with the wisdom of human Torah scholars. By upholding authenticity, promoting critical thinking, and adhering to ethical AI use, AI can be a valuable and complementary tool in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Torah knowledge.