2006-06-12-torah technology

By Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort

CARLSBAD, Calif.—If only I had a nickel for every time someone asked/declared to me that the Torah seems at odds with the “Modern World” of science and technology. When I ask the person why he feels that way the individual in question typically draws a blank. That is when I use the opportunity to do what I enj oy most about my job, I teach.

In fact, there is not only no contradiction between the Torah and the “Modern World,” but they are in a symbiotic and complimentary relationship. Science is meant to discover the truth in the world around us. Technology is used to enhance human life in this world. In other words, they share the exact same purpose as the Torah! There is not a single contradiction between science, technology, and the Torah, not one.

Some cases in point; 1. Modern science has led to some incredible advances in the field of medicine. Doctors today have more tools at their disposal and a greater understanding of how diseases work than any time previous. They use their knowledge with great dexterity causing human life expectancy to skyrocket. 2. Advances in technology have given us the resources to make the world a much smaller place. Instantaneous communications with people on the other side of the globe is no longer fantasy but reality, and what is best is that this ability lies with everyone who has access to a personal computer.

What does all of this have to do with Judaism? The Jewish outlook on these advancements is that the more we can control and manipulate the world around us, the more we can grasp G-d’s interactions with us and this world. If we are able to see what is going on in many places around the world simultaneously, obviously G-d is Omnipresent and Omniscient. Since G-d created this world and us, G-d is superior to His creation.

Jewish organizations have availed themselves of modern technology, big time. What Jewish institution doesn’t have a website? How about www.AskMoses.com, where the latest chat and data-base technologies are employed so that anyone can come online and chat with a scholar about Torah issues, 24 hours a day, six days a week (closed on Shabbos of course).

In my own case I am going to use the airwaves via the radio to teach Torah (and talk about Israel and many others issues of interest) to the San Diego region when on July 2^nd I begin a weekly one-hour radio program on KCBQ 1170am from 8 – 9pm. Oh, and by the way, I just wrote this article on a computer thusly using technology as a tool to teach Torah and make the world a better place!

LeChaim To Life with Rabbi E

Sundays from 8 - 9pm on KCBQ 1170am. Can also be heard at www.KCBQ.com.

"The Show that is conversational, educational, and inspirational!"

Rabbi Eilfort is director of Chabad at La Costa, an agent on AskMoses.com, and host of the weekly radio program LeChaim to Life with Rabbi E. Rabbi Eilfort welcomes readers comments via e-mail to Chabad@La-Costa.org.