7 Responses

1. I think it’s good practice to check marei mekomos no matter who’s quoting them, ai or not.
   Also, every person without mental challenges should know by now that ai is, at best, as good as the information it’s being fed (the internet at large). It may a good place to start doing research, not paskin. Not sure what the chiddush here is.

2. Consider this hypothetical scenario: let’s take it for granted that it’s possible that a Rov may make a mistake in a psak, and let’s say for argument’s sake that the Rov estimates that he paskens correctly 90% of shailos asked to him. Now if it would be possible to train an AI model on all the sifrei halchah that exist and we could verify that the AI model answers 98% of shailos correctly, would it be advisable and maybe preferable to ask the shailah to the AI or at least verify the Rov’s psak to ascertain that your doing your absolute best to keep halachah?

3. I use copilot a lot AI is great at editing, proofreading and even rewording what you wrote even if you have Hebrew in the English text However, although it can give a lot of accurate information on a given topic it can also give wrong information too. AI can be dangerous if you ask a Torah topic especially if you use English words. You may get sources from Chabad and other good sources but you may also get messianic and other non Jewish sources. Many years ago before AI I was writing something about the ענני הכבוד I found a beautifuly written “dvar Torah” on this topic on line at the end it signed by Rabbi Mary … a reform rabbi so be carful with AI.

4. I was told very authoritatively this week by AI that Vayakhel has 94 pesukim. A simple fact, wildly inaccurate.

5. It’s obviuos that a non human device can”t paskin shalis but how come AI can’t even provide accurate MAREI MIKOMS which are only simple addressess ???

   אוצר החכמה provides accurate Marei Mikomos so why can’t AI ????

   Strange.

6. I am somewhat familiar with AI and different. Models. I put this question (can a person have dairy instead of meat at his purim seudah) to perplexity pro deep research model. And it gave back nearly spot on correct answer. See full text next cokment. Quoting din online and shulchanaruchrav .com. this is not an endorsement of AI to pasken, and you would have to be an idiot to blindly rely on it. But there’s no harm in getting marrie mekomos from there. It’s generally as bad as searching Google. You can also find rubbish there, but if you look up everything then you are good. Lehavdil it’s like using a likut sefer, and checking there as well, but substantially less reliable.
   I find that if you ask a niche halocha shaale it will spit back rubbish. But if you ask for a specific quote from any gemoro, it will give back the correct answer quoting daf and omud like over 80% of the time. This is because the talmud has many many online English data for AI to source directly from. And AI is the king when it’s fed loads of data on a topic.

7. This is the full quote from Perplexity pro AI:
   can a person have dairy instead of meat at his purim seudah

   # Can a Person Have Dairy Instead of Meat at a Purim Seudah?

   The question of whether one can substitute a dairy meal for the traditional meat meal during the Purim Seudah (festive meal) involves navigating through various rabbinic opinions and understanding the role of meat in Jewish festive celebrations. This comprehensive analysis examines the different perspectives on this matter, exploring both the legal requirements and their underlying reasoning, while providing guidance for those who might prefer or need to have a dairy meal on this joyous occasion.

   ## The Purim Seudah and Its Traditional Components

   The Purim Seudah is a central observance of the Purim holiday, commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot as recounted in the Book of Esther. This festive meal carries specific requirements that distinguish it from regular meals. It is typically characterized by abundant food and drink, creating an atmosphere of exceptional joy and celebration. The meal must be held during daylight hours on Purim day, though it is customary to extend it until after dark[10]. If Purim falls on a Friday, the festive meal is held in the morning to allow adequate time for Shabbat preparations[10].

   According to tradition, the Purim feast is meant to be lavish and festive, featuring delicacies that enhance the celebratory nature of the day. As described in several sources, it is “a Mitzvah to have delicacies and festive foods eaten during this meal”[8]. The meal typically includes bread, with some communities having the custom of baking fresh bread on Erev Purim specifically for this occasion[8]. Additional traditional foods may include grains and legumes (known as “Zaronim”), commemorating what Daniel ate in Babylon, and triangular pastries called “Hamantashen”[8].

   ## Meat Consumption at the Purim Feast: A Matter of Dispute

   The question of whether meat is obligatory at the Purim feast represents a point of contention among rabbinic authorities. Several authoritative sources indicate that meat should be included in the Purim meal. The Rambam (Maimonides) and the Shulchan Aruch (the primary code of Jewish law) are cited as holding that “there is an obligation to eat meat at the Purim meal”[6]. This position is reinforced by contemporary rabbinic responses stating unequivocally that “the meal though should be a meat meal (and preferably meat and not just chicken) and not just dairy”[4].

   The specification that animal meat is preferable to poultry is noteworthy, with some authorities maintaining that “the Mitzvah is to eat specifically animal meat. One does not fulfill the Mitzvah of meat through eating poultry”[7]. However, this stricter position is not universally held, as “some Poskim are lenient in this matter”[7]. For those who cannot afford animal meat, poultry is considered an acceptable alternative[7].

   Despite these seemingly strict positions, other authorities present a more nuanced view. As one source explains, “Some Poskim rule it is an obligation for one to eat [animal] meat during the Purim meal. Other Poskim however rule it is not an obligation to eat meat”[5]. The fact that this requirement “has not been cited by the Tur or Shulchan Aruch” in some sections pertaining to Purim customs is used as evidence by those who maintain it is not an absolute obligation[5].

   ## The Concept of Simcha and Meat Consumption

   The connection between meat consumption and the Purim feast is deeply rooted in the Jewish concept of “Simcha” (joy or happiness). This connection explains why many authorities insist on meat for the Purim meal. As one rabbinic opinion reasons, “since Purim is a day of Simcha, and Simcha is fulfilled only with meat… therefore one should be obligated to eat meat on Purim”[7].

   The obligation to eat meat on Purim is often compared to the obligation to eat meat on Yom Tov (festivals). Some authorities maintain that “the above dispute in the obligation to eat meat on Purim is dependent on whether one is obligated to eat meat on Yom Tov”[5]. This connection suggests that the Purim requirement follows from the more general principle that meat consumption is associated with joy in Jewish tradition.

   However, there is a distinction between Purim and other festivals. While some authorities exempt people from eating meat on Yom Tov, they might still require it on Purim. This is because “by contrast with the subjective obligation of simcha for festivals, on Purim there is a concrete obligation of a ‘feast,’ which is specifically fulfilled by means of meat”[6]. This suggests that the nature of the Purim celebration might carry stricter requirements regarding meat consumption than other festivals.

   ## Practical Considerations and Leniencies

   While the predominant view suggests that meat is at least strongly recommended for the Purim feast, there are indications that dairy meals are sometimes used. For instance, one source mentions “this year our Purim seudah will be a Sephardic desayuno, a dairy lunch that usually includes a variety of burekas, boyos, cheeses, cuajado (frittata), huevos haminados (overnight brown eggs), salads and dips”[2]. This suggests that in at least some communities or circumstances, dairy meals for Purim are accepted.

   For those who might prefer or need to have a dairy meal, it is worth noting that even among those who consider meat a mitzvah rather than an absolute obligation, there is a recognition that “in any event, even if it is not an obligation to have meat on Purim, it is certainly a Biblical Mitzvah to do so”[7]. This suggests that while dairy might be permissible in certain circumstances, meat remains the preferred option for fulfilling the mitzvah in its ideal form.

   Special consideration is given to women whose day of immersion in the mikveh (ritual bath) coincides with Purim. In such cases, some authorities traditionally advised against eating meat. However, contemporary rabbinic responses clarify that “as the seudah on Purim is a mitzvah, you are permitted to eat meat, taking care that it doesn’t get caught between your teeth and cleaning your teeth well”[9]. This indicates that even in circumstances where meat consumption might normally be restricted, the mitzvah of the Purim feast takes precedence.

   ## The Relationship Between Meat, Milk, and Jewish Dietary Laws

   It’s important to understand the broader context of meat and dairy separation in Jewish law. The prohibition against mixing meat and milk is one of the fundamental aspects of kosher dietary laws, derived from the Biblical verse “Do not cook a kid in its mother’s milk,” which appears three times in the Torah[3]. This repetition teaches that it is forbidden not only to cook meat and milk together but also to eat or derive benefit from such a mixture[3].

   The prohibition extends beyond the literal interpretation of a kid goat in its mother’s milk to include the meat of any kosher domesticated animal with any kosher milk[3]. Various reasons have been suggested for this prohibition, including concerns about cruelty, health considerations, and distancing Jews from ancient pagan practices[3]. From a Kabbalistic perspective, meat represents the Divine attribute of Judgment (gevurah), while milk represents the Divine attribute of Kindness (chesed), and these opposing characteristics should not be mixed[3].

   Besides the prohibition against mixing meat and milk in the same meal, kosher observance also requires waiting between consuming meat and dairy products. While there is no waiting period required after eating dairy before consuming meat (aside from washing hands and mouth), there is a significant waiting period required after eating meat before one can consume dairy products[1]. This waiting period varies among different Jewish communities, with some waiting three hours, others four or five, and still others a full six hours[1].

   ## Conclusion

   The question of whether one can have dairy instead of meat at a Purim seudah does not have a simple, universally agreed-upon answer. The majority opinion among rabbinic authorities suggests that meat is at minimum a preferred component of the Purim feast, if not an outright obligation. This preference is rooted in the connection between meat consumption and the fulfillment of “Simcha” (joy), which is central to the Purim celebration.

   However, the existence of differing opinions on whether meat is obligatory or merely recommended provides some flexibility. The fact that some communities do have dairy Purim meals suggests that under certain circumstances, a dairy meal might be acceptable. For those who cannot or prefer not to eat meat, consulting with their rabbi about their specific situation would be advisable.

   Ultimately, the Purim seudah is about creating a joyous, festive atmosphere that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people. While meat has traditionally been seen as central to this celebration, the most important aspect is participating in the communal joy and thanksgiving that defines this holiday. Whether through meat or dairy, the Purim feast should reflect the spirit of celebration, gratitude, and communal togetherness that is at the heart of this joyous occasion.

   Citations:
   [1] Waiting Between Meat and Milk – Kosher.com https://www.kosher.com/jewish-learning/waiting-between-meat-and-milk/
   [2] A Joyous Purim Feast – Jewish Journal https://jewishjournal.com/culture/food/379751/a-joyous-purim-feast/
   [3] Meat & Milk – Parshat Mishpatim – Chabad.org https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1149824/jewish/Meat-Milk.htm
   [4] Halachos of Purim Seudah – Din – Ask the Rabbi – Dinonline https://dinonline.org/2020/03/09/halachos-of-purim-purim-seudah/
   [5] The Menu of the Purim meal – Shulchanaruchharav.com https://shulchanaruchharav.com/halacha/the-menu/
   [6] Must you Eat Meat at Purim Meal? – Dinonline https://dinonline.org/2014/02/24/must-you-eat-meat-at-purim-meal/
   [7] Must/Should one eat meat during the Purim Seuda https://shulchanaruchharav.com/must-should-one-eat-meat-during-the-purim-seuda/
   [8] Seudas Purim – Shulchanaruchharav.com https://shulchanaruchharav.com/seudas-purim/
   [9] Mikveh after Purim – Women’s Health and Halacha – Nishmat https://www.yoatzot.org/questions-and-answers/mikveh-after-purim/
   [10] The Festive Purim Meal – Aish.com https://aish.com/48966746/
   [11] OU Kosher’s FAQ’s for Purim – OU Kosher Certification https://oukosher.org/blog/consumer-kosher/ou-koshers-faqs-purim/
   [12] Purim – Kosher Woman http://kosherwoman.com/Menu_Items/LIFESTYLE/Halacha/chanukahPurim.html
   [13] Celebrate Purim With A Vegetarian Seudah – Jamie Geller https://jamiegeller.com/menus/celebrate-purim-with-a-vegetarian-seudah/
   [14] This year Purim will be on Friday. What time should one begin their … https://oukosher.org/halacha-yomis/this-year-purim-will-be-on-friday-what-time-should-one-begin-their-purim-seuda/
   [15] Purim – Halacha According to the Sephardic Practice – Orthodox Union https://www.ou.org/holidays/purim-halacha-according-to-the-sephardic-practice/