eSelf and Abarbanel University unveil the world's first-ever AI Jewish Studies instructor to train the next generation of devoted leaders

TEL AVIV, Israel, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- eSelf, a global leader in creating face-to-face, natural-feeling conversational AI agents, announced a new partnership with Abarbanel University Institute (IUIA) in Buenos Aires. Together, they are launching the world's first AI Jewish studies avatar, designed not only to assist academic and rabbinical students but also to serve a broader community, including researchers, educators, and students of religion, philosophy, and culture.

Religious schools and academic programs worldwide face increasing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified educators, creating gaps in instruction, and limiting access to specialized content. As AI avatar tutors prove their value in mainstream education, these same technologies offer innovative and inclusive solutions for religious and cultural institutions and centers. AI avatar tutors can serve as valuable tools, supporting faculty, reinforcing curricula, and providing students with creative ways to engage with their studies while maintaining the institution's educational and ethical standards and traditions.

The Abarbanel University Institute (IUIA) is partnering with eSelf to provide every student with access to an AI Jewish studies avatar, designed to offer a personalized, 24/7 learning experience grounded in traditional Jewish texts. IUIA offers diplomas, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Jewish Studies, Ethics, Interreligious Dialogue, Leadership, and Culture, welcoming a diverse student body from all backgrounds. Students will be able to use the AI tutor inside and outside the classroom to deepen their understanding of course materials, study independently, and prepare for exams. The AI avatar tutor will guide students through topics like Bible, Talmud, Jewish history, philosophy, theology, and more, in alignment with the academic standards of the institution. Whether preparing for daily life, rabbinical roles, interreligious research, or deepening cultural understanding, every student will be able to benefit from the AI avatar.

"Before I started eSelf, I went to school hoping to become a Rabbi," said Dr. Alan Bekker, CEO and Co-Founder of eSelf. "But I found myself grappling with philosophical questions that weren't being answered, so I pivoted and earned a PhD in Machine Learning. This project isn't just about building AI avatars for Jewish studies – it's personal. I know how powerful it can be for students to engage with new technologies and diverse perspectives. That's why I'm so proud to partner with Abarbanel, a university that's always embraced forward thinking, to bring this vision to life."

"AI is already transforming the way we teach and learn," said Rabbi Ariel Stofenmacher, Rector of Abarbanel University Institute. "We are committed to inclusive, high-quality education that transcends identity boundaries. At IUIA, we work with public and private universities across the Americas, Europe, and Israel to advance Jewish studies, interreligious dialogue, and humanistic education. This initiative is another step in our mission to democratize access to Jewish knowledge and cultural heritage through innovation."

eSelf's AI avatars are customizable in both appearance and personality, going beyond traditional tools by generating images and videos to accompany lessons. They can create tailored visual explanations aligned with classroom material and respond directly to students' questions, adapting to each learner's level. Whether approaching from secular or religious perspectives, students can choose to explore multiple interpretations or focus on specific philosophical or denominational views. To ensure accuracy and alignment with religious and institutional standards, all content is reviewed by an academic committee.

About eSelf

eSelf is an AI platform that lets users create and customize their own avatars—both in appearance and personality—through an intuitive online studio that supports over thirty languages. It connects with tools like Salesforce, Calendly, and YouTube, allowing avatars to schedule meetings, surface live data, and present visual content in real time. Built for seamless integration across industries like education, finance, and e-commerce, eSelf's technology helps businesses deliver more human, intuitive experiences at scale.

About Abarbanel University Institute (IUIA)

The Instituto Universitario Isaac Abarbanel (IUIA) is the first Jewish university in South America, rooted in the principles of academic excellence, intercultural dialogue, and pluralism. It was founded by the Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano Marshall T. Meyer, an institution with more than 60 years of educational leadership. Its graduates serve communities across more than 25 countries, committed to the Jewish value of Tikun Olam – repairing the world.

Headquartered in Buenos Aires and active in over 25 countries, IUIA offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as Jewish Studies, Ethics, Education, Sacred Music, Human Rights, and Interreligious Dialogue. Through strategic alliances with more than 20 public and private universities worldwide, IUIA promotes inclusive, innovative, and values-based higher education for a diverse community of learners, researchers, and professionals.

Contact:
Ali Goldberg
Concrete Media for eSelf
ali@concrete.media 

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SOURCE eSelf