Encouraged by the outstanding results of MyHeritage's Scribe AI when tested by other genealogy bloggers, I began trying this new feature on several different types of images.
Scribe AI scored 100% in accuracy when transcribing a handwritten note with a distinctive style of cursive, circa 1943. It also scored 100% in accuracy when transcribing the envelope and postmark of that same handwritten note. Surprisingly, Scribe AI had nothing to say about the stamp, which was very visible and would have added to the context and dating, but that's just a nit because the transcription was perfect.
Above, a more difficult challenge: I asked for a transcription and analysis of my great-grandfather's gravestone, which features a good deal of Hebrew writing. I was quite impressed by much of the analysis but still I could see that eyeballs are very much needed as a double-check on accuracy. Here's what Scribe AI said about each element, followed by my personal analysis.
Iconography & symbolism
Scribe AI says: The top center features a circular medallion depicting a building with arched windows, likely representing a 'Beis Medrash' (House of Study) or a synagogue, which signifies the deceased's scholarly contributions and religious devotion. This is directly linked to the text identifying him as an author. Flanking the medallion are ivy leaves, a common funerary symbol representing immortality, eternal life, and undying affection. The bilingual nature of the stone reflects the cultural synthesis of the early 20th-century Jewish immigrant experience in America.
My personal analysis: I believe the stylized M is basically my great-grandpa's initial for his surname, Mahler, not a representation of a synagogue or my ancestor's supposed scholarly contributions. The rest of the AI analysis is fine.
Monument details
Scribe AI says: An upright, rounded-top headstone crafted from coarse-grained grey and pink granite. The stone is in good condition with minor weathering and some chipping along the edges. A modern circular inventory sticker with the letters 'PC' is affixed to the upper right face. The marker features a bilingual inscription in Hebrew and English, with a central decorative medallion and floral motifs.
My personal analysis: This is accurate but could be improved by explaining what the PC sticker means--perpetual care by the cemetery, a paid service.
Location context
Scribe AI says: Jewish cemetery, likely in the New York City metropolitan area (e.g., Mount Zion or Mount Carmel), based on the granite style, the specific scholarly work mentioned, and the bilingual English/Hebrew format typical of that region and era.
My personal analysis: I'm astonished at the accuracy of location, because the cemetery is in fact Mount Zion in Maspeth, New York--indeed the NY metro area. I didn't tell Scribe AI anything about the cemetery or even the gravestone location; it figured this one out all on its own.
Research suggestions
Scribe AI says: The inscription identifies Meyer Elias Mahler as the author of the book 'Kanaf Renanim' (כנף רננים), a scholarly work on Hebrew cantillation published in 1907. This is a vital clue for researchers; he can be found in rabbinical bibliographies and New York City death records. His father is named as David Akiva. The epitaph mentions a 'beloved husband' and 'dear father,' confirming he was survived by a wife and children. Given the publication of his book in New York, search for census records in Manhattan or Brooklyn around 1900-1910.
My personal analysis: No, the inscription does NOT identify Meyer as the author, only that he is in the lineage of the author--as indicated by the accurate transcription of the Hebrew inscription, below.
Inscription translation
Scribe AI says: Here lies An important man from a distinguished lineage Author of the book 'Kanaf Renanim' R' Meir Eliyahu son of R' David Akiva Born in the year 5616 [1855/56] Passed away 3 Shevat 5670 [January 13, 1910] May his soul be bound in the bond of life
IN MEMORY OF MY BELOVED HUSBAND AND OUR DEAR FATHER MEYER ELIAS MAHLER DIED JAN. 13, 1910 AGED 52 YEARS May he rest in peace
My personal analysis: the translation is accurate, according to the translations I've had done in the past. Meyer is shown as being "from a distinguished lineage" of the author of the book. He did not write the book, as the research suggestions note.
Highly encouraging, eyeballs always needed
I'm very encouraged by the mainly accurate info! Will be testing Scribe AI more in the coming weeks. I owe it to my relatives and my ancestors to follow the warning that MyHeritage shows at bottom of all these results: These insights were generated by AI and may contain errors. Be sure to review them for accuracy.
