Background
Founded in 1947 by a small group of religiously committed scientists, the AOJS is an organization devoted to the orientation of science within the framework of Orthodox Jewish tradition. The organization aims to assist those endeavors which will help improve the Torah way of life for Jews throughout the modern world, both intellectually and practically. The AOJS provides an intellectual meeting ground for people who can contribute to the constructive incorporation of scientific knowledge and thinking into the Torah way of life through their professional qualifications, interests and activities. Concern is paid to ideological problems relating to the apparent points of conflict between scientific theory and Orthodox Judaism. At the time of its founding, the association formulated five purposes:
- clarifying the connection between science and Torah;
- considering the application of the principles of halakha in particular issues;
- providing an opportunity for education and interaction with professionals sharing a common interest;
- providing guidance to Orthodox Jewish students considering a career in science;
- providing study and training in areas of science needed in Israel. [5]
By the early 1960s, the organization reached nearly 2,000 dues-paying members. [5] Time magazine reported that the organization had over 1,000 members by the late 1960s. [6]
Activities
In terms of education and guidance, Assistance to individuals and institutions in the solution of practical problems encountered by Orthodox Jews and their children in the study or practice of scientific pursuits; support for the educational ideal of a true synthesis of Jewish and secular studies. For example, the AOJS Medical-Dental section maintains a list of shomer Shabbos medical residency positions available around the U.S.
In terms of the intersection between science and Jewish law, association members provide consulting services to rabbinical authorities concerned with the implications of technological developments for the Jewish rituals and religious practices.
AOJS convention themes often center on Jewish religious perspectives on Darwin's theory of evolution.
History
Previously, the idea of an Orthodox Jewish scientist was considered abnormal on the Jewish scene. In the 1940s, despite general shock over the Holocaust, some of the most prestigious universities still had formal or informal quotas limiting the number of Jews and exams were often held on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. As a result, for every 1 Orthodox Jewish science student there were 1,000 other Jewish students. In the U.S. today, religiously observant Jewish university students are common from the observant doctor, physicist, computer programmer to the engineer and psychologist.
Often called upon by the rabbi to explain the scientific principles that will guide him in his halachic decision making, the Orthodox Jewish scientist has become an integral part of Orthodox Jewish observance in the ever-changing modern world. Rabbis faced with the need to apply the halacha to a rapidly changing technological world find it easier to communicate their needs to Torah scholars who are equally well versed in the sciences. The Orthodox Jewish scientist has indeed come a long way in the synthesis of Torah and science.
On December 28, 1947, a group of scientists, most of them graduate students in the natural sciences, sat down at the first meeting of AOJS. The founding group set down five goals: to clarify the bond between science and the Torah; to apply Torah principles in solving specific problems; to further themselves professionally and socially by associating with others who had common interests; to advise religious students interested in science; and to train in areas of science needed in Israel. The organization reached its peak in the early 1960s when they had nearly 2,000 dues-paying members.
Since its inception in 1947, the AOJS has been at the forefront of addressing the interface of science and halacha. Initially, AOJS served as a safe haven and social outlet for a few religious physicists and chemists to share their ideas, and as an agency to resolve apparent conflicts between scientific findings and Torah beliefs. It also became the address for those seeking halachic guidance in areas where halacha and science interfaced.
In the 1960s, AOJS expanded its domain to service those in the medical, nursing, computer psychological and social sciences. It was also during this period that AOJS became involved in social activism. It would decry, raise public awareness, and create and/or assist agencies working in the areas of spousal, child and drug abuse in the Orthodox community. It was also active in seeking the release of Jewish scientists from the USSR.
The AOJS is divided into three major sections: physical & computer sciences, medical & life sciences, and behavioral sciences. The Orthodox Jewish scientist working through the AOJS, has become a major source of reliable scientific information for the Torah community all over the world, and is recognized as having made important contributions in very practical ways to the development of the halacha.
From the perspective of Jewish law and theology, AOJS provides a forum for research, innovation and discussion of these increasingly difficult areas. AOJS, as well, has created an open forum in which scientists can consult, network and concur with fellow professionals in their discipline. There are, to date, over 2000 members and friends of the AOJS, worldwide - including professionals (doctors, psychologists, research scientists, etc.), academicians, rabbis, students and informed people.
AOJS has hosted hundreds of conventions, conferences, symposiums and lecture series' that have broadly focused on these subjects. Thousands of articles have been published and circulated to the Orthodox Jewish public pertaining to the science/halacha interface. Books have been published, scientific advances have been made, difficult areas in halacha have been clarified.
