Science
And Technology: The Rebbe’s Perspective
Edited
by Rabbi Yosef Ginsberg and Professor Branover * A
Shamir publication * Yerushalayim 5760 * 460 pages
This
new volume presents a collection of letters, sichos and transcripts of
private audiences with the Rebbe discussing scientific topics – to
date, the largest anthology on the subject.
Ever
since the Rambam dealt with scientific subjects, there were always
eminent talmidei chachomim who studied science, whether to
aid their understanding of Torah or to strengthen the breach created
when many Jews were confused in questions of faith and needed guidance.
The
“Guide to the Perplexed” of our generation, the Rebbe MH”M, has a
wide-ranging knowledge of science and technology. This new volume
presents a collection of letters, sichos and transcripts of
private audiences with the Rebbe discussing scientific topics – to
date, the largest anthology on the subject.
The
material is skillfully divided into topics and headings. The
introduction quotes sources from Rishonim and Acharonim
about accepting the words of Chazal literally, even in those
instances when there seem to be contradictions between Chazal and
science.
The
Rebbe’s teachings are divided into chapters with topics such as: the
end of apologetics, laws of nature, research, education, science in
Torah, medicine, technology, communications, air and space, and many
more.
The
first edition of the book was published in 5752. This new edition has an
additional eight chapters which deal with scientific proofs for the
Torah’s world view. The reconciliation of Torah and science is
demonstrated in even the most basic topics, such as: the existence of a
Creator, Creation and evolution, and Torah from Heaven.
Many
passages clarify the meaning of Chazal, the Rambam, and
commentaries. They discuss the Jewish perspective in the light of
Chassidus on these varied topics within the realm of science and
technology. Other passages treat these topics from a less conventional,
though no less important, perspective, focusing on the unique
contribution of Chassidus, the lesson in avodas Hashem we can
derive from topics in science and technology.
The
book also contains a collection of personal letters the Rebbe wrote to
scientist Professor Velvel Green. Prof. Green worked for NASA and became
a baal teshuva through the Rebbe and his Chassidim. The book
concludes with six chapters written by Prof. Branover summarizing the
Rebbe’s position on various Torah and scientific topics, such as the
uncertainty principle and the theory of relativity.
Shamir
Publications intend to present a translation of the book in English to
accommodate the growing demand in the Unites States and around the world
to learn the Rebbe’s viewpoint, particularly on these topics.
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