Sacred Science: Judaism's Perspective on Studying the Natural World

For centuries, Jewish thinkers have explored how scientific understanding and religious faith can coexist and even complement each other. Far from seeing these as conflicting realms, many of Judaism's greatest minds have embraced scientific knowledge as a way to deepen both religious practice and spiritual appreciation. For example, the famed 18th-century sage known as the Vilna Gaon, is quoted by Rabbi Baruch Schick of Shklov in his translation of Euclid’s book on geometry as having said, “Proportional to what one lacks in his understanding of the sciences, he will lack a hundred times in his understanding of Torah, because the Torah and science are interconnected.”

This view isn't limited to a few isolated thinkers – it's a thread woven throughout Jewish intellectual history. From the ancient wisdom of the Talmud (Shabbos 75a) to medieval philosophers like Rabbi Bachya ibn Paquda (Chovos HaLevavos Sha’ar HaBechinah 2) and Rabbi Yehuda Halevi (Kuzari II:64), through Renaissance thinkers like Rabbi Yosef Karo (Kesef Mishna on Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 4:13) and the Maharal of Prague (Nesivos Olam, Nesiv HaTorah 14), traditional rabbinic scholars have consistently emphasized the importance of understanding the natural world. These diverse voices, spanning centuries and geographies, all converge to confirm the benefits, importance, and sometimes even the religious obligation to study science.

Perhaps the most notable advocate for this approach is Moses Maimonides (Rambam), arguably the greatest Jewish philosopher of all time. Maimonides believed that a proper relationship with God is built on deeply appreciating the astounding universe He created for us. In his magnum opus, the Mishneh Torah, he includes a brief summary of the physics and cosmology of his day. But before diving into the science, he explains why this knowledge is so important:

And what is the path to love and revere [God]? When a person thinks about His works and His great and wonderful creations and sees in them His inestimable, infinite genius, one will immediately love and praise and exalt [God] and be filled with a great desire to know His Great Name. As [King] David said: My soul thirsts for God, for the living God (Psalms 42:2).” And when one thinks of all these matters, he will immediately be taken aback and stricken with awe, realizing that he is a puny creature, lowly and dim, standing with an insignificant and minimal knowledge in the presence of the All-Knowing, as [King] David said: “When I see Your heavens, the works of Your fingers—what is a human that You should take note of him (Psalms 8:4)?” So, for these things I [shall] explain major principles of the works of the Master of the Universe, so that they shall be a conduit for one who understands to love God. As the Sages said on the matter of love: “Out of it you will recognize the One who spoke, and the Universe came to be.” (Laws of the Foundations of Torah 2:2)

This remarkable perspective on how scientific understanding is fundamental to our relationship with God has reverberated through Jewish thought for centuries. It stands in stark contrast to the misguided notion that interest in physical details somehow diminishes spiritual appreciation. Rather, it proposes that as we delve deeper into nature's intricacies—from the complex water cycle that brings rain to the intricate biochemical processes by which our bodies extract nutrition from food—we gain a profound appreciation for God's infinite wisdom and boundless concern for His creation.

Recognizing this, many prominent 20th century rabbis have championed this view, emphasizing that our gratitude towards the Creator can only deepen as we uncover the layers of complexity and genius that underpin the natural world.

As we delve into nature's universal laws and fundamental building blocks, we begin to perceive the underlying unity, elegance, and interconnectedness that permeates all of Creation.

One rabbi who strongly championed this view had a lasting impact on us, the authors of this article. Rabbi Chaim Zev Malinowitz, of blessed memory, was chief editor of Artscroll’s English and Hebrew Talmud projects, and our personal teacher and mentor. He encouraged us to use our scientific backgrounds as a source of inspiration for ourselves and others. Rabbi Malinowitz often emphasized how deepening our understanding of the natural world can enhance our appreciation of the Almighty. To illustrate this point, he frequently quoted Richard Feynman, a Jewish American physicist who many consider to be the greatest theoretical physicist since Einstein. Feynman, known for his brilliant mind and quirky personality, once said:

I have a friend who's an artist and has sometimes taken a view which I don't agree with very well. He'll hold up a flower and say, “Look how beautiful it is,” and I'll agree. Then he says, “I as an artist can see how beautiful this is but you as a scientist take this all apart and it becomes a dull thing,” and I think that he's kind of nutty. First of all, the beauty that he sees is available to other people and to me too, I believe... At the same time, I see much more about the flower than he sees. I could imagine the cells in there, the complicated actions inside, which also have a beauty... The science knowledge only adds to the excitement, the mystery, and the awe of a flower. It only adds. I don't understand how it subtracts.

Feynman's message resonates powerfully with the Jewish approach to understanding creation. Far from diminishing the wonder of our world, scientific knowledge amplifies it immeasurably. When we learn about the intricate processes behind a flower's bloom—its cellular machinery, genetic programming, and ecological relationships—or unravel the cosmic dance of stars and galaxies in the night sky, we're not reducing these marvels to cold mechanics. Rather, we're unveiling layers of breathtaking complexity, exquisite subtlety, and, most profoundly, an underlying unity. This deeper comprehension serves to heighten our awe and deepen our appreciation for the incomparable craftsmanship of God's handiwork.

Fully grasping this perspective, however, demands thoughtful reflection. God's creation is far more astonishing than just a collection of fascinating plants and animals, as often showcased in popular books that consider the natural world from a religious perspective. Without a deeper scientific understanding, the wonders of our universe—from the fractal intricacy of snowflakes to the chromatic spectacle of sunsets—might appear as an enchanting yet disconnected array of mysteries. However, as we delve into nature's universal laws and fundamental building blocks, a profound realization emerges: we begin to perceive the underlying unity, elegance, and interconnectedness that permeates all of Creation. This revelation resonates powerfully with the central—and deepest—tenet of Judaism’s unique worldview: yichud Hashem, the perfect oneness of God.

While this unity in creation aligns with Judaism's core beliefs, it's worth noting that popular culture often draws parallels between modern scientific discoveries and mystical concepts. For instance, quantum physics' revelation of a fundamentally interconnected universe and chaos theory's demonstration of complex patterns emerging from simple rules have captured the imagination of many spiritual seekers. However, one need not delve into such speculative or abstruse territory to appreciate the harmony between Torah and science. Indeed, such an approach is likely not what Maimonides had in mind.

By delving into even the basics of physics, chemistry, and biology we can begin to truly gain a glimpse of God's genius and—more importantly—foster a conscious awareness of His loving, active presence in our lives. This enhanced appreciation enables us to love and revere God more profoundly, fulfilling the very path Maimonides prescribed.

Aside from being an invaluable enhancement to the private relationship between a Jew and his or her Creator, for Jews living in the 21st century, scientific literacy is increasingly crucial for fulfilling another religious mandate. According to Judaism, the purpose of existence is to provide individuals with the opportunity to develop an abiding relationship with the Divine. Traditional sources, however, are clear that this goal is to be achieved primarily through proper action. God’s first, overarching mandate to all of humanity in this regard was to gain mastery over the world (Genesis 1:28) and serve as its custodians “to cultivate and to protect it” (Genesis 2:15). To live up to this mandate and address many of today's most pressing global issues like climate change, national defense, disease prevention, and food security, requires scientific expertise.

God’s first, overarching mandate to all of humanity was to serve as its custodians. Living up to this mandate and addressing many of today's most pressing global issues requires scientific expertise.

Of course, this doesn't mean every individual has a religious obligation to become a scientist or engineer. There are as many legitimate ways of taking responsibility for the world as there are people living in it. However, as a collective, it behooves us to ensure that education and opportunities are available to enable every Jew to undertake what they believe is their Godly mission in this world.

For many Jews seeking a mature, meaningful relationship with God, engaging with science isn't just an option—it's an almost essential part of their spiritual journey. Rather than viewing this as a distraction, it should be embraced as an opportunity. Science can enhance our understanding of Torah, deepen our appreciation of God and His love for us, and equip us to be better stewards of His world.

For Jews committed to learning traditional Talmudic texts yet interested in enhancing their studies with an overlay of scientific understanding, we have just released a groundbreaking new book: The Science Behind the Mishnah. This work is a commentary on Mishnah tractate Berachos which explores its real-world topics, providing readers with a more nuanced understanding of both the Mishnah and its related scientific ideas. It is co-authored by a professional scientist and a lifelong Mishnah teacher, both Orthodox rabbis with degrees from Oxford/Harvard. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply a curious lifelong learner, The Science Behind the Mishnah is an invitation to enhance your love and reverence for God through a deeper appreciation of the dovetailing of Torah wisdom and scientific knowledge.