Dear Friends:
"I don't believe in religion, I believe in science," is an oft-repeated refrain from those who like to argue with rabbis. Their statement presupposes that there is a conflict between the two. They are surprised when I tell them that I believe in both. Religion and science each have important lessons for humankind. Each has its own "Truth."
One of the most commonly suggested examples of conflict is the
|
Big Bang Theory
| dissonance between the creation stories in the book of Genesis and "Big Bang theory. The former tells of a God who created the universe day by day, step by step, and the latter teaches that time, space, and matter, as we understand them, are the results of a gigantic "explosion" eons ago. How can one believe that there is a Creative Intelligent Force in the universe, and at the same time believe that all that exists is predicated on predictable and impersonal laws of physics, biology, and chemistry?
In recent years many books have been written on the relationship of religion and science. One of the best is "God and the Big Bang-Discovering Harmony Between Science and Spirituality" by Dr. Daniel Matt. In his book, Dr. Matt attempts to explain the many connections between faith and science. Dr. Matt is also one of the world's foremost scholars of Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah. One of his current projects is the massive undertaking of translating the Zohar into English. He has taught and lectured on Jewish spirituality around the world.
We are fortunate to have Professor Matt as this year's Abraham and Anne Ratner Scholar-in-Residence. This weekend Dr. Matt will speak on "Shekhinah - The Feminine Half of God," during Friday night services, "The Mystical Meaning of Torah," after Shabbat morning services, and "God and the Big Bang: Discovering Harmony between Science and Spirituality," at a Sunday morning brunch.
|
Dr. Daniel Matt
| I extend a special invitation to those of you who question the balance between faith and science (isn't that all of us?) to join us during this special weekend. I know that Dr. Matt will not only inform and inspire us, but give us much food for thought in the coming months.
Shabbat Dinner reservations for Friday night are closed, but everyone will be able to hear Dr. Matt's lecture, which will take place during services. The other events are open to the public and free of charge. For further information about the weekend, please click here.
I look forward to welcoming and greeting you at these incredible and challenging learning opportunities.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal
Tifereth Israel Synagogue
|