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Home > Education > Sara & Samuel J. Lessans Adult Learning Institute > Scientists in Synagogues

Scientists in Synagogues

B’nai Israel is selected to participate in Scientists in Synagogues!

 

Illuminating the World: The Intersections of Jewish Law and Science

Louis Pasteur said, “Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.” As a Jewish community, we are grounded by our ethical obligations to all of humankind, which are rooted in our Torah and sacred writings, compelling us to bring to our congregation and the Greater Washington community conversations that explore the intersections between our Jewish values and the theories and practices of modern science.

 

After submitting a detailed application and participating in an interview process, B’nai Israel has been selected by Sinai and Synapses to participate in Scientists in Synagogues! Each synagogue receives $5000 for programming, as well as guidance and mentorship from both Sinai and Synapses and AAAS DoSER to run a series of programs addressing issues around science and religion. 

The scientists from B’nai who worked with Rabbi Berkowitz on the proposal and who will continue to work on developing our programs and bringing them to the congregation are:

Dr. Marni Hall
Dr. Stephen Hoffman
Dr. Heather Kalish
Dr. Fredric Messing
Dr. Barbara Nelson
Dr. Kim Lee Sim
Dr. Sam Zaremba

This project is part of an international program entitled "Scientists in Synagogues," a grass-roots initiative run by Sinai and Synapses in consultation with the American Association for the Advancement of Science Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion, and funded by the John Templeton Foundation, along with other individual donors.

upcoming events

Community Kick-Off Conversation: God-fearing Scientists and Science-loving Rabbis
Sunday, September 11
7:30–9:00 PM
Click here for details.

Did Covid Change the Rules? 
with Dr. Alan Leshner, Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz, Moderated by Dr. Marni Hall
Sunday, April 16
7:30–9:00 PM
Click here for details.

How God Works 
with David DeSteno
Sunday, May 21
7:30–9:00 PM
Click here for details.

Sat, January 17 2026 28 Tevet 5786