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fact offered similar approaches within its own tradition, the term
"Jewish Science" was selected. Another reason is seen in
the Hebrew term for Jewish Science, Chuchmah Yehudit. Chuchmah
means wisdom and implies that Jewish Science utilizes the wisdom of
Jewish tradition in their approach to God, to life, and to prayer.
HEALTH AND HEALING ARE EMPHASIZED IN JEWISH
SCIENCE. WHY?
Jewish Science believes, based on classical Jewish thought, that God has
provided people with a reservoir of health, and that people need to
learn how to preserve it and restore it when it wanes. Emotional
health is achieved through proper thinking and relationships with one's
fellow beings. Spiritual health is reached via our realization of
our relationship to God and what this relationship may offer us.
Physical health is often directly related to the first two, where we
frequently find select physical ailments resulting from depression,
anxiety, fear, or discouragement. Note: It is important to
note that Jewish Science encourages the involvement of physicians when
one is ill, a practice not found in the non-Jewish "mind
science" systems.
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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 understood as
the human means by which Divine help is invoked in moments of need.
It connects the divine that is in us to the Divine. Citing the
importance of communal prayer, Jewish Science stresses that private,
personal prayer is vital in the continuing developing relationship
between people and God. Methods quite similar to those utilized in
Chassidism are taught.
DOES JEWISH SCIENCE HAVE A "CREED?"
Jewish Science, like Judaism in general, had no formal creed or
catechism. However, like Maimonides' Articles of Faith, and
similar statements written by other great philosophers and theologians,
Jewish Science has 10 fundamentals that define and explain what the
system is about. Each fundamental is rooted in Jewish belief.
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. 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.
ORGANIZATIONALLY, HOW IS JEWISH SCIENCE
STRUCTURED?
Jewish Science today maintains its headquarters in New York with
chapters across the U.S. Since the death of Jewish Science's
co-founders, Rabbi and Mrs. Lichtenstein, the organization is run by
non-rabbinic professionals. They are responsible for the
publication and dissemination of Jewish Science literature, organizing
study groups, and provide training in the principles and practices of
Jewish Science on an on-going basis. All of this is done under
auspices of the Society of Jewish Science, its Board of Directors, and
Executive Director.
ARE THERE JEWISH SCIENCE SYNAGOGUES?
In 1993, the Society purchased a building in New York that houses not
only the administrative offices, but a sanctuary as well. Since
Jewish Science has no affiliation with any movement and feels its
principles are applicable to all, followers may choose to attend their
local synagogue, generally movement affiliated, in addition to Jewish
Science services.
HOW CAN ONE RECEIVE TRAINING IN JEWISH SCIENCE?
The first step in receiving training in Jewish Science is to attend
services, and the purchasing of the texts available. These works
are available through headquarters in New York, or those authorized by
the Society. A listing of approved groups is available from
headquarters as well. For additional
information, contact the Society of Jewish Science; 109 East 39th
Street; New York, New York; 10016 - telephone (212) 682-2626. |