Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon from Gush Etzion Visits With HANC Students

On Monday, February 13th, the HANC BMP students had the honor of meeting with Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon. Rav Rimon serves as the Rabbi of the גוש עציון Regional Council and the Rav of the Synagogue of עלון שבות דרום. He is also the ראש ישיבה of the Jerusalem College of Technology-מכון לב-and ישיבת הר עציון in ארץ ישראל, and one of our generation’s leading פוסקים, specifically in upcoming technology and media. Rav Rimon had a packed schedule and still found time to give an enlightening, thought-provoking shiur for HANC students. 

The energy Rav Rimon brought and the way he carried himself with such calmness and שמחה, made everyone feel comfortable in his presence, and in awe of his knowledge and positive mindset.

Rav Rimon spent about 45 minutes with the BMP HANC students, and yet he offered so much knowledge and shared crucial messages for life in that short time. In addition, three main halachic and psychological questions were posed and Rav Rimon provided detailed and profound responses to each. 

Question 1 by Benjy Goldstein 23’: 

The first question was posed by a senior, Benjy Goldstein: “How can it be that a chicken is meat but the egg is parve?” After thanking Benjy for his question, Rav Rimon first explained the direct answer: the egg formed within the chicken goes through several stages of development, and in one of those stages the egg forms into something that makes it not ‘halachically food’. Therefore, the egg is separate from the chicken and is considered parve. In addition, the egg never fully develops into a chicken and therefore has no flesh. In fact, Rav Rimon went even further to explain how there is even a מחלוקת as to whether a chicken is meat or not, although we do still hold that it is meat. With just a single question, Rav Rimon not only gave a single answer, but he also explained advanced context, outside information, and additional sources, giving us a greater understanding of the halacha. 

Question 2 by Jake Peyser 23’

Afterwards, Jake Peyser, another senior, asked, “With the increased advancement and rise in usage of AI (artificial intelligence), would you say that an AI could ever replace a פוסק?” Once again, Rav Rimon gave a profound answer. He dove into the concept of AI, especially the most recent and popular form of AI called ChatGPT. He praised artificial intelligence, explaining how impressive its abilities are, and describing how he has explored its capabilities and knowledge as well. However, he warned that AI can still make mistakes, regardless of its expansive knowledge. Even though AI may know the entire Shas, Gemara, and all of halacha, to פסקין and interpret the Torah in unique situations cannot be left up to a computer. More importantly, a Rav and פוסק is human, with true emotions and human understanding. Only with these components, can a פוסק most effectively and properly פסקין in Halacha. Nevertheless, Rav Rimon did add that AI can still be helpful and used to assist פוסקים in referencing sources. AI is truly a technological phenomenon and is indicative of our changing world, for the better or worse, but we must be careful to draw the line with AI and not overreach our uses of it. 

Question 3: by Ariel Hekmati 23’

Finally, two students, Lea Bassali and Ariel Hekmati asked, “How does a Jew know which path to go on in life?” Rav Rimon’s answer to this question was the most memorable and personal, and perhaps, the simplest. Rav Rimon said, “Every choice a Jew makes in life should be with ‘יראת ד. Nothing more. Nothing less. If one sees that a certain choice lacks a true recognition and fear of Hashem, then one must stop, and not go down that path.” Nevertheless, Rav Rimon explained that this does not mean that we cannot learn secular studies or be involved in secular careers. But, at the end of the day, we must always come back to Hashem and ‘יראת ד. We must still prioritize learning Torah each day. In fact, Rav Rimon explained how he grew up in Tel Aviv and was pursuing a career in medicine. But, after going to Yeshiva, he was convinced to stay, leading to where he is today. These words are an incredible message to carry throughout life, especially for highschool students finding and creating themselves each day. With every choice made, ‘יראת ד must always be in our sights. 

Rav Rimon concluded with a ברכה to always live life with ‘יראת ד, be healthy, learn Torah, and that we should be זוכה for משיח to come. It was a great kavod to host Rav Rimon and the HANC faculty and students thank the Rav for joining us, answering our questions, and sharing his vast knowledge.