Scientific Content in Jewish Sources.

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Abstract

The eight examples of science in Jewish sources presented below support the viewpoint of Naħmanides concerning the relationship of science and Torah as described in his introduction to Genesis. Discussions include a surface physics explanation for the concepts involved in koshering utensils, as well as a novel explanation for a discussion in Talmud tractate Pesaħim concerning the size of the Earth. Examples such as the evaporation-condensation cycle, weather patterns, and sea currents derive from the literal meaning of Biblical verses; while examples such as sex determination reflect Talmudic understandings of Torah verses that go beyond the literal meaning. There is no implication here that the Talmud Sages necessarily understood the scientific aspects of Torah, only that they transmitted them from generation to generation as Oral Tradition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)85-95
JournalB'Or Ha'Torah
Volume23
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • JEWISH Science
  • BIBLE. Pentateuch
  • BIBLE. Genesis
  • SCIENCE
  • ACADEMIC achievement
  • SCIENTIFIC freedom

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