Harnessing AI in Faith: Insights for Modern Clergy, with Rabbi Ben Newman – Seekers of Meaning 1/23/2026
On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address speaks with Rabbi Ben Newman about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for clergy. Rabbi Newman’s new book is AI for Clergy: Harnessing the Power of the Digital Golem for Spiritual Leadership, Community Organization, and Sacred Service, a practical and spiritual guide for ministers, rabbis, imams, and chaplains navigating the age of artificial intelligence.
Rabbi Newman discusses the definition of AI, its potential benefits and challenges for spiritual leadership, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use.
He emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into rabbinic education and community practices, while also addressing the fears and misconceptions that many have about this technology. The conversation highlights the need for clergy to adapt to the evolving landscape of technology in order to better serve their communities.
Drawing on the ancient metaphor of the Golem—powerful, obedient, but soulless—Rabbi Ben Newman explores how AI mirrors human intention and how clergy can harness it with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. From drafting sermons and eulogies to supporting education, fundraising, and pastoral care, this book offers hands-on tools while wrestling with the deeper questions of soul, creativity, and responsibility. At once visionary and practical, it invites faith leaders to step into the future with courage, humility, and a renewed commitment to presence.
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About the Guest
Rabbi Ben Newman
Rabbi Ben Newman is a Jewish-Buddhist rabbi, writer, and musician who helps people build lives rooted in meaning, integrity, and connection. He serves as co-rabbi of Pleasantville Community Synagogue in Pleasantville, New York, alongside his wife, Rabbi Shoshana Leis.
Ordained in 2006 by the Academy for Jewish Religion, Rabbi Ben has served communities in New York and Colorado, including Temple Beth Shalom in Hastings-on-Hudson and Har Shalom in Fort Collins. He also served as Director of Spiritual Life at the Shames JCC in Tarrytown, where his work included spiritual leadership and community-building initiatives.
In 2016, he founded Shtiebel in the Rivertowns, a low-barrier, high-engagement Saturday night Havdalah gathering that brings together people across ages, denominations, and spiritual backgrounds. Shtiebel is now part of the life of Pleasantville Community Synagogue and remains open to all.
Rabbi Ben is a singer-songwriter and innovative service leader who loves chanting and leading with guitar and ukulele. He has studied widely, including at Nanzan University in Japan, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary. His books explore Jewish spirituality, mindfulness, and modern life, including AI for Clergy, The 10 Pathways, 52 Gates: Reflections on Living, and The Ten Precepts: A Jewish-Buddhist Translation of the Ten Commandments. He also writes children’s books, including Thinking about G!d and The Enchanted Sukkah, and loves helping kids become authors by turning ancient stories into their own creations.
He lives in Dobbs Ferry, New York with his family.
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