Rabbi Admits AI Videos Crossed Line
Rabbi Eli Stefanski, founder of Mercaz Daf Yomi, announced a review committee after prominent rabbis criticized his AI-generated Torah videos.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Judaism
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Rabbi Eli Stefanski acknowledged that his AI-generated videos crossed a line and announced the creation of a review committee. Stefanski said his Daf Yomi project will slow its use of artificial intelligence.
Why it matters
The controversy follows prominent rabbis speaking out against the videos' depictions of the Beis Hamikdash, korbanos, and kohanim. The episode highlights tensions over how religious content produced with new technology should be presented to audiences.
Daf Yomi covers one page of the Babylonian Talmud each day over roughly seven and a half years, and Stefanski's lectures reach tens of thousands of followers worldwide. The number of AI videos produced and the specific rabbis involved in the criticism were not specified.
The players
Rabbi Eli Stefanski
Rabbi Eli Stefanski is the founder of Mercaz Daf Yomi, a Torah learning program based in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel, whose lectures reach tens of thousands of followers worldwide.
Mercaz Daf Yomi
Mercaz Daf Yomi is an online and in-person Torah learning program that offers daily Talmud study and shorter daily reviews of each page.
The details
Stefanski made the acknowledgment before delivering his daily Daf Yomi shiur. He said the AI videos aimed to bring the Gemara to life and encourage Torah learning, and he invited viewers to submit suggestions and feedback through the organization's website while a vaad is established.
Timeline
November 10, 2026: Stefanski acknowledged the AI videos crossed a line and announced the review committee.
Big Picture
The controversy concerns the use of AI-generated media within the Daf Yomi cycle of daily Babylonian Talmud study, a program followed by Jewish learners worldwide. Stefanski's decision to slow AI use while a review committee is formed places his program in a debate over how traditional religious learning adapts to new media tools.
Readers following Daf Yomi may see changes in how daily lessons incorporate AI-generated visuals as the project slows its use of the technology. Those who want to weigh in can submit suggestions and feedback through the organization's website.
The takeaway
Religious educators using new media must balance accessibility with respect for traditional depictions of sacred subjects. Stefanski's decision to form a review committee shows one approach to addressing community concerns.
Further reading
Explore more on Judaism to see how Torah learning and religious practice are discussed across communities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Vinnews.
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