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1.
What is Jewish Science?
Jewish Science uses the concepts, tenets, and principles of
Judaism to raise the religious and spiritual consciousness of the Jewish
People. When applied to daily living, these practices help us eliminate
and conquer the mysteries and problems of everyday life. Jewish Science
helps us to obtain a secure, joyous, peaceful, pragmatic yet spiritual
life. Jewish Science also focuses on the healing traditions that are found
within Judaism.
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2.
Is Jewish Science Authentically Jewish?
Most definitely. Every
aspect of Jewish Science has its roots in Jewish tradition, whether Biblical
or Rabbinic. Jewish Science's theological concepts, principles of daily
living, worship, and ritual are all grounded in Jewish thought; a study
of Jewish Science writings clearly illustrates these connections.
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3.
Why the name "Jewish Science"?
The name Jewish Science
was chosen for a variety of reasons. To begin with, the early 1920's found
large numbers of Jews attracted to "mind science" religions
that were in vogue, particularly Christian Science. Wishing to demonstrate
that Judaism in fact offered similar approaches within its own tradition,
the term "Jewish Ssience" was selected.Another reason is seen
in the Hebrew term for Jewish Science, Chuchmah Yehudit. Chuchmah means
wisdom and implies Jewish Science utilizes the wisdom of Jewish Tradition
in its approach to G-d, to life, and to prayer.Prior to "Jewish Science",
Applied Judaism was the name given to this thinking; this term has been
revived and is becoming more commonly used today as, "The Center
for Applied Judaism."
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4.
Health and Healing are emphasized in Jewish Science. Why?
Jewish Science believes,
based on classical Jewish Thought, that G-d has provided us with a reservoir
of health, and that we need to learn how to preserve it, and restore it
when it wanes. Emotional health is achieved through proper thinking and
relationships with our fellow human beings. Spiritual health is reached
by way of our realization of our relationship
with G-d and what this relationship may offer us. Physical health is often
related to the first two, where we frequently find select physical ailments
resulting from depression, anxiety, fear, or dicouragement. It is important
to note that Jewish Science encourages the involvement of physicians when
one is ill, a practice not found in most non-Jewish "mind-science"
systems.
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5.
What is the role of prayer in Jewish Science?
Prayer plays a most vital role in Jewish Science, and Jewish
Science firmly believes in the efficacy of prayer. Prayer is the language
we use to communicate with G-d. It is the human means by which help is
invoked in moments of need. It is the ladder which connects the divine
in us to the Divine. Citing the need and importance for communal prayer,
Jewish Science stresses that private, personal prayer, petition, is vital
in helping us resolve the issues before us. It also aids in developing
a relationship between ourselves, and G-d. Methods of prayer that are
similar to those used in Chassidism are also taught.
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6.
Does Jewish Science have a creed?
Jewish Science, like Judaism in general, has no formal creed
or catechism. However, like Maimonides' Articles of Faith, and similar
statements written by other great philosophers and theologians, Jewish
Science adheres to Ten Fundamentals that define and explain what it is
about. Each fundamental is rooted in Jewish belief.
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7.
Is Jewish Science affiliated with any of Judaism's four branches?
No. Jewish Science maintains no formal affiliation with any
of Judaism's four movements, since part of its philosophy states that
it is compatible with all movements. In addition, Jewish Science welcomes
Jews from all four movements. Whether one's approach is that of the observant
Jew, that of the liberal thinker, or anything in between, the principles
and practices of Jewish Science may be employed.
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8.
Organizationally, how is Jewish Science structured?
Jewish Science is based in New York City, with chapters on
the west coast. Since the passing of Jewish Science's co-founders, Rabbi
Morris Lichtenstein (1938) and Tehilla Lichtenstein (1973), the organization
has been run by non-rabbinic professionals, with rabbis conducting religious
services, High Holy Days, Torah classes, Passover Seders, etc. Jewish
Science publishes books, cassettes and a magazine, organizes study groups
or chapters and provides ongoing education on the principles and practices
of Jewish Science. All of this is done under the Society of Jewish Science;
The Center of Applied Judaism, its Board of Directors, Executive Director
and volunteers.
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9.
Are there Jewish Science Synagogues?
Since its founding in 1922, Jewish Science had always rented
space in New York to conduct services and activities. In 1995, the Society
was able to purchase their own building in New York City, which now houses
their administrative offices, Judaica Library, and Sanctuary. Since the
principles of Jewish Science are applicable to all Jews, some choose to
attend a local synagogue, usually movement affiliated, in addition to
the Jewish Science synagogue.
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10.
How does one explore or become indoctrinated in Jewish Science?
The first step is to attend Jewish Science services on a
regular, weekly basis. In addition, the articles in the monthly magazine,
"The Interpreter", and the texts available are a wonderful written
resource for self-help and study. These works are available through the
administrative offices in New York City and chapters authorized by the
Society. A listing of approved groups is available from New York as well.
For additional information, contact the Society of Jewish Science, The
Center for Applied Judaism; 109 East 39th Street; New York, NY 10016.
(212) 682-2626.
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Jewish
Science has formulated ten fundamentals. These are not speculative creeds
which every adherent of Jewish Science must accept, but are beliefs which
those in Jewish Science attain through conviction and experience. They
are not imposed, but are an outgrowth of a search for spiritual truth.
The following is the declaration of the ideals by which we guide our lives
each day:
1.
The Jewish Faith is the only faith to which we adhere. Jewish Science
is the application of the Jewish faith to the practices of life.
2.
We believe wholeheartedly in the efficacy of prayer. We believe that no
prayer, when properly offered, goes unanswered.
3.
We shall endeavor every day of our lives to keep serene, to check all
tendencies to violence and anger, to keep calm even in the face of unpleasant
and discouraging circumstances.
4.
We shall strive to be cheerful every day of our lives. The Talmud says
that the Divine presence departs from one who is in gloom.
5.
We shall seek to cultivate an attitude of love and goodwill toward everyone.
We shall make no room in our heart for hatred or bitterness. The world
was created on a plan of Divine love, and to give way to thoughts of hatred
or malice is to violate the plan of G-d.
6.
We shall cultivate a disposition of contentment, envying no one, and praising
G-d for the good He has already bestowed upon us. Contentment is the greatest
friend of happiness; envy its greatest enemy.
7.
We shall make conscious effort to banish worry and fear from our lives.
We regard these as our greatest enemies and give them no place in our
consciousness.
8.
We shall trust in G-d's goodness in every circumstance of our life.
9.
We believe that death is an elevation to eternal life, and not a cessation
of existance.
10.
We believe that G-d is the Source of Health and the Restorer of Health.
In
these fundamentals, we in Jewish Science, profess our wholehearted belief
in the efficacy of prayer; we acknowledge the duty of keeping serene and
cheerful, of cherishing good-will and contentment, of banishing worry
and fear; we declare our trust in G-d's goodness and love; we profess
our assurance of immortality because we have faith in G-d's loving-kindness
and the everlastingness of His creations.
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