Group of Scholars Formed to Bridge the Jewish Religion with Science

Newswise — An international group of natural and social scientists, philosophers, historians, physicians, rabbis, theologians and educators is working together to promote and facilitate a close relationship between the Jewish religion, its cultures and values, and the sciences, for the mutual benefit of all.

The Judaism, Science and Medicine Group was established and organized by the Center for Jewish Studies at Arizona State University in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“Today there is a growing gulf between Judaism and the sciences. Although many scientists are Jews by birth, they do not consider Judaism relevant to their scientific work,” says Hava Tirosh-Samuelson, director of the center and ASU’s Jewish studies program.

“Conversely, religious Jews are either uninformed about or uninterested in recent developments in the sciences that have significant implications for their Jewish world view,” Tirosh-Samuelson says. “The Judaism, Science and Medicine Group considers this state of affairs to be detrimental to the intellectual wellbeing of Judaism in the 21st century and wishes to bridge the gap between Judaism and the sciences.”

To achieve their mission, the group will create forums for dialogue among scientists, health care professionals and scholars of Judaism, while fostering interdisciplinary, collaborative research projects and developing educational materials about the interrelation of Judaism and the sciences....[Story continued here]