Seeking guidance on the Tanakh, quantum mechanics, and the pursuit of truth
Dear Rabbi Dr. Abraham,
I am reaching out to you because of your unique background bridging theoretical physics and theology, and your rigorous engagement with the text of the Tanakh.
My background is rooted in discipline and analytical thought. Academically, my path spans theology and the empirical sciences. During my studies I was first introduced to the life's work of Dr. Bruce Waltke. Dr. Waltke's teachings on the immense depth of hesed (loyal love) resonated with me completely and became a foundational cornerstone of my spiritual life.
Despite this theological foundation, my intense drive to understand the mechanics of the universe led me deeply into computational sciences. While studying data science, bioinformatics and mathematics, my worldview shifted. Viewing the universe strictly through a rigid, empirical lens rendered me agnostic.
But as I dug deeper into the science—specifically the conservation of quantum information, quantum field theory, and the principles of superposition—the mathematics itself pointed me back to the truth: the Creator, the God of Israel (Hashem). It forced me to recognize reality and the unfailing hesed that has sustained me since before my birth.
The weight of my past agnosticism recently led me to Jerusalem to pray and seek forgiveness. Today, I proudly walk as a Noahide and a God-fearer (Yirei Hashem). I adhere to the seven universal laws and feel a deep connection to the Jewish community and the God of Israel. I do not identify as a Christian; I seek truth exclusively in the Tanakh—the Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim.
Now back home, I am transitioning my focus toward mastering the language of the Tanakh, aiming to explore the intersections where rigorous scientific truth meets divine revelation. While I remain open to pursuing my mathematics studies at secular institutions like Harvard, it is paramount that my Hebrew studies are guided by a Jewish rabbi who shares my faith and adherence to the Tanakh.
Furthermore, while my research pointed me toward introductory texts like Basics of Biblical Hebrew by Pratico and Van Pelt, I have intentionally held off on beginning my studies. I am explicitly seeking the guidance and book recommendations of a Jewish rabbi first, because that is the theological framework I adhere to.
I would be deeply grateful for any book recommendations you might have, especially your favorite texts on the language of the Tanakh, as well as any literature bridging quantum mechanics, information theory, and quantum field theory with the pursuit of God's truth. Furthermore, I would love to hear about your own experiences as a seeker of truth navigating the worlds of mathematics and sacred texts.
Thank you for your time, your work, and your dedication to truth.
לגלות עוד מהאתר הרב מיכאל אברהם
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Thank you very much for your thoughtful letter. I greatly appreciate the path you have taken, and especially the intellectual honesty and sincerity reflected in your search for truth.
I should clarify, however, that my own Jewish world is centered primarily on the Talmud and Halakha rather than on the Tanakh. I also do not generally try to connect scientific theories or findings with the Tanakh or the Talmud. I do, however, use various kinds of logic and analytical tools to study and analyze Talmudic discussions.
As for reading recommendations, if you are looking for books in English, I am unfortunately not sufficiently familiar with the relevant literature. I think an American rabbi would be better positioned to guide you. Regarding Hebrew literature, I would suggest first acquiring a good command of Hebrew, and then trying to define more precisely what subjects and questions you would like to explore.
I wish you much success in your studies and in your continued search for truth.
לגלות עוד מהאתר הרב מיכאל אברהם
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Dear Rabbi Dr. Abraham,
Thank you very much for your response. I completely understand your position and your focus on the Talmud and Halakha using analytical logic.
My immediate goal in learning Hebrew is to be able to remember and recite all the Psalms in Hebrew by memory. From there, my hope is to read and learn from those who share my view of mathematics, quanta, and Biblical Hebrew as the basis of truth.
I sincerely appreciate your good wishes. I will continue my studies and my disciplined routine. My wife and I are planning to move to Israel in about 3 to 4 years.
I consider myself closely aligned with the Modern Orthodox framework, as it perfectly matches my type of work and the way I think: highly rational, text-based, integrating modern life and science (Torah Umadda), and completely non-mystical in its day-to-day community expression.
Thank you again for your time, your work, and your academic scholarship.
I wish you every success on your journey. I would just like to point out that immigrating to Israel can be difficult for someone who has not undergone a recognized conversion. Jews have a legal right to be accepted immediately as citizens of Israel. However, for someone who is not recognized as Jewish, obtaining citizenship or residency can be difficult.
Again, I wish you great success in everything. If there is anything I can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact me.
השאר תגובה
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