AskTheRav Unveils AI-Powered Search for Instant Halachic Answers
AskTheRav has launched a major upgrade to its website this week, introducing one of the most significant improvements since its founding: a brand-new, powerful search engine.
This completely rebuilt system makes thousands of halachic Q&As more accessible than ever, allowing users to quickly and easily find authoritative answers from their extensive archive of responsa.
Since its founding under the guidance of Harav Yosef Braun of the Crown Heights Beis Din, AskTheRav has fielded nearly 50,000 questions, becoming a central address for clear and reliable halachic guidance for Lubavitchers in Crown Heights and around the world, and hosting one of the largest searchable halachic databases available.
Over the years, tens of thousands of shailos – covering Shabbos, kashrus, davening, business, minhagim, and countless real-life scenarios – have been published and organized online.
The new search system allows users to locate relevant answers quickly and efficiently, with multiple search options, including a brand-new AI-powered engine.
This AI-powered search understands the meaning of your question – not just the keywords – and finds the most relevant halachic answers, even if the user is unsure of the exact terminology, makes a typo, or phrases the question differently.
A major addition to the AskTheRav database is the new Exact Match search feature – a tool previously almost nonexistent on frum online sites or halachic databases. Unlike a basic keyword search, this upgraded engine intelligently identifies what users are looking for and delivers precise, relevant results.
Exact Match allows users to pinpoint specific phrases or patterns within the AskTheRav archives. Users can search for words exactly as typed, appearing next to each other in a specific order, or within a set number of words.
It also handles Hebrew prefixes, spelling variations, wildcards for partial words, and uncertain letters. Additional options let users choose between alternative terms, exclude unwanted words, or combine multiple criteria in a single search – providing unmatched precision and control.
Whether researching a detailed halachic topic or locating a previously seen answer, users can now find exactly what they need in seconds. This is in addition to the regular search option and the ability to search by topic according to the order of the Shulchan Aruch.
Already, users are sharing how the new search engine has transformed their halachic research:
“I was in the middle of preparing for Shabbos and couldn’t remember a halacha. The new search engine instantly gave me the answer I needed. I don’t know how I ever managed without it!” said Leah S. from Crown Heights.
“The search engine is like having a Rav at your fingertips,” added Chana R. from Melbourne. “I could find exactly the shailah I remembered from years ago – no other resource comes close.”
These upgrades are part of a broader, behind-the-scenes effort over recent months to enhance the entire AskTheRav platform. Improvements include uploading and organizing thousands of additional Q&As, standardizing formatting across posts for greater clarity, improving site structure and navigation, integrating Halacha2Go content more seamlessly, and strengthening overall system performance and reliability.
In addition to these upgrades, the AskTheRav Hotline has also continued to grow. Since its launch several years ago, it has answered thousands of questions, providing live, direct, and immediate access to rabbinic guidance.
Due to popular demand, the Hotline has recently expanded its hours, with further expansions planned to ensure that anyone seeking answers can receive timely and authoritative guidance whenever needed.
“I called the hotline late one night,” says Mendel K. from Montreal, “and got a clear, sourced answer immediately. The expanded hours are truly a lifesaver for anyone in a pinch.”
AskTheRav has also recently launched a weekly podcast with Harav Braun, in collaboration with the Lemaan Yilmedu Institute. Each episode tackles fascinating, real-world halachic inquiries sent directly to the Rav’s desk and is available on all major streaming platforms.
What began as a local service has now become a global address for halachic questions. The AskTheRav website and Hotline function as a virtual Beis Hora’ah, providing accessible and valuable guidance to rabbanim, shluchim, and tens of thousands of individuals worldwide.
Under Harav Braun’s guidance, a dedicated team of experienced rabbanim responds to inquiries with expertise and sensitivity. Every published answer is thoroughly reviewed, ensuring clear, reliable, and fully authoritative halachic guidance.
