Posted on 12/23/24
Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 23, 2024 - Since I majored in Chemistry and worked in multiple science labs, I was curious to read Rabbi Joel Padowitz and Rabbi Jonathan Sassen's new book, The Science Behind the Mishnah.
The Science Behind the Mishnah provides students and teachers with a resource to understand the natural phenomena that appear in Meseches Berachos, which most teachers are unequipped to provide. Complex scientific information becomes understandable and teachable for both teachers and students alike. The depth and breadth of knowledge are so overwhelming, that I could not read the tremendous amount of information straight through.
The Science Behind the Mishnah contains 32 chapters covering a wide range of scientific topics mentioned in the Mishnah, beginning with the first Mishnah and an explanation of what is twilight and when to say Shema.
The chapters and topics are supported with hundreds of excellent photographs, diagrams, and infographics to illustrate the science presented. This material is worthy of inclusion in a school curriculum for physics, chemistry, general biology, botany, human biology, and earth sciences, and serves as a valuable new tool for studying science from a Torah perspective. This is like a science textbook with Hashem's role in His creation, not only included but emphasized.
The quality of the paper, graphics, and layout, including the size and font of the text, are first-rate.
The book concludes with an impressive 24-page index and a comprehensive glossary of scientific terms - from abdomen to yeast. Temperature, for example, is mentioned 16 times while phloem is only once.
Author Rabbi Joel Padowitz has been a Jewish educator for over two decades, "specializing in the interface between traditional Judaism and modernity." Based in Ramat Beit Shemesh, he has served as a rabbi for Aish HaTorah in London, studied under Rav Chaim Z. Malinowitz ztz”l, and trained with Rav Yitzchak Berkovits and the Jerusalem Kollel. He holds degrees from Harvard University and Bar Ilan University and has been recognized for his scientific achievements at the White House by President George W. Bush.
Co-author Rabbi Jonathan Sassen earned his B.Sc. degree in Metallurgy and Material Science from Oxford University and semicha from Rabbi Shmuel Katz. He also lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh and is the Chief Technology Officer for Epsilor-Electric Fuel, working on next-gen batteries.
According to Rabbi Sassen, "Hashem put us together in the back of a car, going to a wedding in 2018, and a partnership was born!"
The reading level is appropriate for middle school. The text is clear and concise. I highly recommend this book for students of Mishnah of any age and teachers of Mishnah and science. It is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in better understanding the wonders of the universe that Hashem provided us, an invaluable reference work for school and home libraries.
Rabbi Sassen responded to BJL, "While a fair amount of research did go into the sefer, I think it is safe to say that the core scientific information was already in Jonathan's head from his years of professional work and study. Our research focused mainly on verifying and expanding the specific details needed for each topic. Joel also invested considerable thought and research into weaving relevant Torah content throughout almost every chapter, finding connections between the scientific principles and their Torah contexts."
The manuscript took years to write. "After completing it, it took another two years to get the physical sefer in our hands. A great deal of time went into the graphic elements, layout, and images, as well as the extensive glossary and the cross-referencing system. Looking back, this additional time was well spent, as we believe these elements enhance the sefer," added Rabbi Sassen. I completely agree.
A perfect Chanukkah gift for the person who has everything, it would be a most unusual individual who could not learn something from this impressive volume.
The Science Behind the Mishnah
Published 2024 Mosaica Press
294 pages. Hard Cover. Price:USD: $29.99
ISBN: 978-1-957579-97-9
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