Like many other people, I have been regularly using ChatGPT — the artificial intelligence program that can generate human-like text in response to user prompts — for business research, for preparing shiurim that I give, and for various online searches that I do.

I’ve been very impressed with the quality of information it provides and the amount of content it is able to generate.

However, one of the things that I wondered about was what ChatGPT knew about me, Michael Feldstein, weekly columnist for The Jewish Link and author of the book “Meet Me in the Middle.”

So … I decided to ask ChatGPT a series of four questions about myself to see how well this artificial intelligence program knew me.

I was quite impressed.

Here is the first question I posed, followed by the answer I was provided:

Please draft a summary of Michael Feldstein’s weekly columns in The Jewish Link.

Michael Feldstein is a thoughtful voice in contemporary Jewish discourse. His writing encompasses a broad range of topics central to Jewish life today, including the complexities of antisemitism, the nuances of Modern Orthodoxy, and the importance of Israel in Jewish identity.

In his essays, Feldstein explores the challenges and triumphs of Jewish education, advocating for innovative approaches to teaching and community engagement. He also delves into synagogue life, reflecting on the evolving role of congregations in fostering connection and spiritual growth. His book, Meet Me in the Middle, further captures these themes, offering personal insights and cultural commentary that resonate with readers navigating the landscape of contemporary Jewish experience. Through his work, Feldstein invites readers to engage deeply with their heritage while confronting the realities of modernity.

I must admit that if I needed to answer this question myself, I probably could not have done a better job. I probably could have used this on the back cover of my book!

Here is the second question I asked, along with the answer I received:

Who are some of the individuals Feldstein admires?

Michael Feldstein expresses admiration for a variety of individuals who have made significant contributions to Jewish life and thought. Some notable figures he often references include:

1. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: Known for his profound insights on Jewish ethics and community.
2. Elie Wiesel: A Holocaust survivor and author whose work emphasizes the importance of memory and moral responsibility.
3. David Brooks: A journalist and author whose writings often explore themes of community and character, resonating with Feldstein’s values.
4. Natan Sharansky: A former Soviet dissident and advocate for human rights, particularly concerning Jewish identity and Israel.

Feldstein admires these individuals for their intellectual depth, commitment to Jewish values, and their ability to inspire others within the community.

Not a bad list at all, if I should say so myself. I might have added Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, who I have often referenced in many of my columns, and Dr. Erica Brown, whose works I admire and whose contributions to Jewish life I have also mentioned in the past. But I’m very impressed with the four people that ChatGPT selected.

Here is the third question I posed, along with the response that I received:

What makes Michael Feldstein’s writing stand out among other Jewish writers?

Michael Feldstein’s writing stands out for several key reasons:

1. Personal Reflection: Feldstein often infuses his essays with personal anecdotes and reflections, making his insights relatable and grounded in lived experience. This personal touch allows readers to connect with his perspectives on a deeper level.
2. Contemporary Relevance: He tackles pressing issues in modern Jewish life, such as antisemitism, the evolving landscape of Modern Orthodoxy, and the role of Israel, presenting them in a way that resonates with today’s readers.
3. Balanced Approach: Feldstein navigates complex topics with a balanced perspective, encouraging open dialogue and nuanced understanding rather than polarizing views. His ability to engage with differing opinions enriches his commentary.
4. Emphasis on Community: He places a strong emphasis on the importance of community and collective identity, reflecting a commitment to fostering connection among Jews of various backgrounds.
5. Literary Style: His writing is articulate and engaging, often blending personal narrative with thoughtful analysis. This combination makes his essays both enjoyable to read and intellectually stimulating.

Overall, Feldstein’s unique voice, thoughtful engagement with contemporary issues, and emphasis on personal and communal connection distinguish him in the landscape of Jewish writers.

Wow, can I get ChatGPT to be my press agent? This artificial intelligence program nailed it with this thoughtful and well written response.

Finally, I asked ChatGPT one more question … here’s the response I got:

What have some other people said about Michael Feldstein’s columns?

Michael Feldstein’s columns have garnered positive feedback from various readers and commentators, who appreciate his insightful perspectives and engaging writing style. Here are some common themes expressed in their praise:

1. Thought-Provoking Insights: Many readers commend Feldstein for his ability to tackle complex issues in Jewish life, often prompting them to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences.
2. Relatability: His personal anecdotes resonate with readers, making his observations feel accessible and relevant to everyday life.
3. Balanced Perspective: Commentators often highlight his fair and nuanced approach to sensitive topics, noting that he encourages constructive dialogue rather than divisive rhetoric.
4. Cultural Relevance: Readers appreciate his focus on contemporary challenges facing the Jewish community, such as antisemitism and the dynamics of Modern Orthodoxy, which they find timely and necessary.
5. Engagement with Community: Many express gratitude for his emphasis on community building and connection, seeing his work as a call to action for greater engagement within the Jewish community.

Overall, Feldstein’s columns are recognized for their depth, relatability, and commitment to fostering a thoughtful discourse on Jewish identity and contemporary issues.

I got a bit farklempt reading all this nice stuff that ChatGPT was saying about me. But I didn’t force it to respond in this way. AI is simply taking the 150 different columns I have written and that are available on the internet, digesting them all and coming up with what it feels to be the appropriate answers to my questions. Needless to say, I was pleased that I’m viewed so positively, albeit by something artificial.

AI can do lots of great things and I do hope to use it more in research for my columns and for generating content when required. There is one thing it can’t do, though, and that’s write with the emotion and the soul that I always try to bring to my weekly columns. As an example, I have written six different columns about our daughter, Tova, of blessed memory, since she tragically passed away almost two years ago. I dug deep into my heart to convey my emotions and write those columns. I doubt ChatGPT could have duplicated the depth of my feelings if I asked it to write a column about our daughter.

So, for now I’ll still be drafting my columns the old-fashioned way … although it’s nice to know that such a useful tool exists to help us all with our research, correspondence and writing.

And it’s nice (and perhaps a little scary) to know that ChatGPT knows me as well, if not better, than any human being.

Michael Feldstein, who lives in Stamford, is the author of “Meet Me in the Middle” (meet-me-in-the-middle-book.com), a collection of essays on contemporary Jewish life. He can be reached at [email protected].