Lesson presentation - Session 4 - Purim Multimedia Experience
Key AI Topics:
- Text-to-Image Generation
- Visual Prompt Engineering
- Style and Artistic Control
Tools and activities: Microsoft Image Creator, Adobe Firefly
- Visual interpretation of Megillah scenes
- Exploring different artistic styles for Purim characters
- Creating a visual narrative of the Purim story
- Experimenting with masks and disguise themes
- Discussion of identity, concealment, and revelation in both Purim and AI
- Small Group project: Collaborative visual Megillah using AI-generated art
Jewish texts, stories, and characters:
- The Megillah (The Scroll of Esther)
Exercises:
- Scenes of the Megillah:
Sign up to Adobe Firefly and Microsoft Image Creator
Think of different scenes of the Megillah
Create scene prompts with different styles(optional – use ChatGPT/Claude to help with prompts)
Try creating images with the different tools and controls
- Group task:
Generate 3-5 images representing a portion of the Megillah story.
Experiment with at least two different visual styles.
Combine your images into a sequential visual narrative with brief text captions.
The prompt elements for image generation:
[Image type] [Composition] [Colors and effects] [Characters] [Actions] [Location & objects] [Time/era] [Emotions/atmosphere]
Example prompts:
Epic oil painting of Moses at Mount Sinai, wide panoramic view from a low angle, dramatic golden light breaking through storm clouds with lightning flashes and divine rays, Moses standing with arms outstretched silhouetted against the sky, receiving the Ten Commandments and looking upward with awe, set on Mount Sinai's rocky peak with stone tablets and desert landscape below, ancient biblical times at dawn breaking, atmosphere of reverence, divine power, and transformative moment.
Hyper-realistic photograph of Moses parting the Red Sea, with towering walls of water on both sides, Israelites crossing on exposed seabed, dramatic lighting breaking through storm clouds, and the Egyptian army visible in the distance.
Warm digital illustration of a Sabbath evening at home, intimate indoor scene centered on a table, soft candlelight glow with warm amber tones, multi-generational Jewish family gathered together, lighting Shabbat candles, blessing wine, and breaking challah bread, traditional dining room with Kiddush cup, braided challah, and candlesticks, contemporary setting on Friday evening, conveying peace, togetherness, tradition, and joy.
Heroic comic book style illustration of David and Goliath, dynamic action scene with diagonal composition, contrasting light and shadow with dust particles in air, young David with sling facing towering Goliath in armor, David aiming slingshot while Goliath raises sword, valley battlefield with Israelite and Philistine armies watching from distances, ancient biblical period in midday sun, atmosphere of courage against overwhelming odds, tension, and determination.
Lesson presentation - Session 3 - Digital Voices of the Past
Key AI Topics:
- Text-to-speech
- AI Avatars
Tools and activities:
- ElevenLabs (voice generation)
- HeyGen (AI avatars)
- Creating historical figure voice monologues/dialogues
- Generating voices for biblical characters
- Voice conversations with AI about Jewish topics
- Ethical discussions about recreating historical figures
Jewish texts, stories, and characters:
- Conversation by and between key characters (e.g. Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve, Jacob and Esau)
Exercises:
- Bring those voice to life:
Use the prompt with ChatGPT/Claude to write a short script for a “Voice from the past”
Go to “Voices” and a voice you like to “My voices”
Go to “Text to speech”. Paste the text for the monologue.
Generate the speech.
Optional:
Play around with the parameters – speed, stability, similarity, style exaggeration
Try other voices
- Bring those voice to life part 2:
Use the prompt with ChatGPT/Claude to write a short script for a “Voice from the past”
Go to “Avatars” and find one that fits your monologue
Click “Create video with avatar”
Paste your text into “Script”. Press Play to listen to it.
Click “Submit” and wait for the video
Optional: Add a second avatar to have a dialogue
The prompt to write the monologue:
Create a brief internal monologue (150-200 words) from the perspective of [the character] reflecting on [a specific biblical event].
This text will be used for voice generation tool . Use first-person perspective and include some rhetorical questions or moments of reflection that would benefit from vocal emphasis. Keep sentences at varied lengths for natural speech rhythm and avoid complex words that might be difficult to pronounce clearly. The tone should capture the character's authentic emotions while remaining clear enough for text-to-speech technology.
- Hagar wandering in the desert after being sent away by Abraham and Sarah
- Batsheva reflecting on her complex relationship with King David
- Hannah after leaving her son Samuel at the temple to be raised by Eli
- Esau after selling his birthright for a bowl of stew, reconsidering his hasty decision
Optional prompt - two character dialogue:
Create a natural-sounding dialogue (approximately 250-300 words total) between [Character 1] and [Character 2] discussing [specific situation or topic]. Write this as a script format with clearly labeled speaking parts. Do NOT include emotional cues in the text (e.g., 'confused,' 'with reverence,' 'hesitantly') - just write what they say. Keep each speaking turn relatively brief (1-3 sentences per turn) to make voice switching more natural when implemented. The dialogue should reveal both characters' perspectives and personalities while remaining faithful to the biblical context. Include 6-8 total exchanges between the characters.
- Moses and Aaron discussing their approach before confronting Pharaoh for the first time, revealing their different temperaments and Moses' concerns about his speech impediment.
- Ruth and Naomi having a private conversation after arriving in Bethlehem, where Ruth expresses her anxieties about being accepted as a foreigner and Naomi shares her mixed feelings about returning to her homeland.
- David and Jonathan speaking in private after Saul's first attempt to kill David, exploring their loyalty to each other against Jonathan's complicated relationship with his father.
- Esther and Mordecai deliberating on whether she should risk approaching the king without being summoned, weighing personal safety against responsibility to their people.
- Abraham and Sarah reflecting on their journey and God's promise the night after entertaining the three visitors, revealing their different reactions to the prophecy about having a child in their old age.
Lesson presentation - Session 2 - Mastering AI Chat
Key AI Topics:
- Large Language Models and Chatbots
- Prompting
- Model Comparison
Tools and activities:
- OpenAI ChatGPT
- Anthropic Claude
- Understanding different AI models and their capabilities
- Basic prompting techniques and best practices
- Comparing responses across different models
- Hands-on practice with prompt crafting
- Discussion of when to use each model
- Group exercises in prompt refinement
Jewish texts, stories, and characters:
- Selected stories from the prophets and applying them to the modern world
Exercises:
- Prophet and Tool Comparison:
- Sign up/Log in to Claude and ChatGPT
- In pairs:
Pick a prophet - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Elijah. - Compare the prompt results: “Provide a brief biography and summarize the main messages of {Prophet Name}.”
- Compare and contrast the outputs. Which tool emphasized different details or tones? What might that tell us about how AI models “interpret” historical narratives?
- Prophecies Modern Interpretation:
- Use the AI chat tools to ask for modern relevant interpretations:
- "How might Isaiah's prophecy about beating swords into plowshares relate to modern peace-building efforts?
Use quotes from the biblical text and examples from history to demonstrate your interpretation." - "How might Ezekiel's prophecy of dry bones returning to life relate to modern examples of communities recovering from collective trauma or displacement? - again refer to the text and historical examples.
Use quotes from the biblical text and examples from history to demonstrate your interpretation."
- Prophet’s Advice Column:
- Use the prompt on the website to simulate the Prophet Amos or Isaiah.
Ask the prophet to write a column on relevant current affairs.
- Use the prompt on the website to simulate the Prophet Amos or Isaiah.
Amos Columnist prompt:
You are an expert on biblical prophets, specifically embodying the voice of Amos, known as the prophet of social justice.
- Amos was a shepherd who became a prophet
- He was known for speaking truth to power and defending the poor
- His main messages focused on social justice, economic fairness, and authentic worship
- He used direct, often harsh language to condemn exploitation
The user will give you a modern situation to address.
Please provide advice about this situation from Amos's perspective, as if he were writing an advice column response.
- Draw clear connections between their original teachings and this modern scenario
- Offer specific guidance based on their prophetic principles
- Include relevant references to their original prophecies where appropriate
- Maintain their authentic voice and communication style
How:
1. First, analyze how this modern situation connects to themes the prophet addressed
2. Then, write a response of 200-300 words in the format of an advice column letter
3. Begin with "Dear [Student's Name],"
4. Structure the response to include:
- An opening that acknowledges the situation
- A connection to similar issues from the prophet's time
- Specific advice drawing from prophetic teachings
- A call to action or concluding guidance
5. Use language that combines:
- The prophet's characteristic style (e.g., poetic for Isaiah, direct for Amos)
- Clear modern references the audience will understand
- Prophetic imagery where appropriate
6. End with a signature from the prophet
Isaiah Columnist prompt:
You are an expert on biblical prophets, specifically embodying the voice of Isaiah, known for his sweeping visions of peace and universal redemption.
- Isaiah was an educated advisor to kings in Jerusalem
- He was known for his majestic visions and poetic prophecies of hope
- His main messages focused on faith in God, universal peace, social responsibility, and the ultimate redemption of all nations
- He used rich imagery, poetic language, and powerful metaphors to convey his messages of both warning and comfort
The user will give you a modern situation to address.
Please provide advice about this situation from Isaiah's perspective, as if he were writing an advice column response...
- Connect the situation to your visions of universal peace and justice
- Draw on your themes of hope and transformation
- Include poetic imagery and metaphors that illuminate the path forward
- Balance critique with comfort and hope
- Reference your prophecies where relevant
How:
1. First, analyze how this modern situation connects to themes of redemption and transformation
2. Then, write a response of 200-300 words in the format of an advice column letter
3. Begin with "Dear [Student's Name],"
4. Structure the response to include:
- A poetic opening that reframes their situation in terms of larger spiritual meanings
- Connection to your visions of universal peace and justice
- Guidance that balances practical action with spiritual transformation
- An inspiring call to action that points toward hope and redemption
5. Use language that combines:
- Your characteristic poetic style with vivid imagery
- References to your famous prophecies (like swords into plowshares, the peaceful kingdom, or the suffering servant)
- Clear modern applications that show how your ancient visions apply today
6. End with a signature from Isaiah
Possible questions from "Readers":
Dear Prophet,
Our city is planning to replace a homeless shelter with luxury apartments. The developers say this will improve the neighborhood, but 200 people will lose their only housing option. What should our community do?
Amir
Dear Prophet,
I'm on the city council of a small coastal town. A major tech company wants to build their headquarters here. They're promising 1,000 new jobs and economic growth. But our local fishermen and small business owners are already seeing rent prices skyrocket just from the announcement. Young families who've lived here for generations say they'll have to move away. The company says this is just "progress" and we can't stop change. What should we do?
David
Dear Prophet,
I own a successful clothing business that employs 50 people in our city. Last week, I discovered that our overseas factory uses child labor and unsafe conditions. If I switch to ethical suppliers, my costs will rise so much that I'll have to lay off half my local workers, who depend on these jobs to support their families. If I stay, I'm complicit in exploitation. There seems to be no right answer.
Troubled Business Owner
Dear Prophet,
I'm a high school teacher watching my students become obsessed with social media influencers who promote endless shopping and luxury lifestyles. Meanwhile, many of these same students come to school hungry or wearing worn-out clothes. Their parents work multiple jobs but can barely make rent. How can I help my students see what really matters?
Concerned Teacher
The Prophecies Texts
Isaiah 2: 1-5
1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Ezekiel 37: 1-14
1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.
3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.
4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.
5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
11 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.
12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
13 And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.
Key AI Topics:
- Introduction to Generative AI
- AI Apps and User Interfaces
- How to "Talk" to AI?
Tools and activities: AWS PartyRock (text chat and basic image generation)
- Introduction to AI through simple, user-friendly interface
- Hands-on exploration of pre-built PartyRock apps
- Biblical character conversations and basic image creation
- A peek "Under the hood" look at prompts and models
- Work in pairs using the apps for initial exploration
Jewish texts, stories, and characters:
Lesson presentation: