AI prompts Succot conversation

Mizrachi Synagogue hosted a unique community gathering on Succot that brought together an age-old ritual and cutting-edge conversation. Fifty people filled the succah, sharing food, song and spirited discussion with special guest Leanne Shelton, author of AI Human Fusion and founder of Human Edge AI.

In conversation with Rabbi Alon Meltzer, Shelton shared some of the key themes of her book by exploring her acronym HABITS, which sets out the best way to integrate AI into your professional life while maintaining a human centred approach. Through her anecdotes, including her personal pivot from traditional copywriter to her current role as an AI coach, Shelton was able to encourage the community to take a leap into AI, while ensuring that at the core of any professional or business decision, the human – either you, your workforce or your customer – comes first.

The conversation also touched on spiritual and religious challenges, including the importance of finding your expert – in this case a rabbi or teacher – rather than creating an over-reliance on AI technology and systems. It was a fresh and encouraging approach to the subject that went to the crux of the issue – how do we maintain a level of safety, ethics, and humanity in the tech race that is going on in the world all around us?

The book, which is available from her website or Amazon, is personal, anecdotal and easy to read. It answers many of the main questions that people have – how to use AI, where it is being adopted and how it can be used to enhance efficiency and increase productivity.

Shelton said the more people know about AI, the more they can show that they are integral to its best use and outcomes.