Science VS Torah: Conflict or Compliment

By: Shayna Klein (’25) Jewish Life

pen any science textbook and you’ll learn about the big bang theory, approaches on evolution, and how man traces back to apes. Open any Torah book, and you'll find that the world was created in six days, starting with one man and Hashem, seemingly contrary to the aforementioned science books. We know that the Torah is considered to be the “blueprint of creation”, meaning that Hashem created the world based on the writings of the Torah. So where do science and Torah align and where do they differ?

It is written in the Zohar in the sixth century that “the heavenly gates of supernal wisdom will be opened, as well as the springs of earthly wisdom”. This supernal wisdom is explained as referring to the ideas of the Torah whereas earthly wisdom refers to scientific revelations. Therefore, we cannot try to alter Torah to fit into ever changing science theories. Instead, we can provide many explanations that may apply to both criteria. For example, there is an opinion that states that the six days of creation were actually six periods of time, each consisting of millions of years. This would bring scientific proof into the six days of creation as well as back up scientific theories of the world dating back millions of years. However, being as man and animal were only created on day six, this theory cannot stand true as dating is done through study of fossils.

The largest contradiction between Torah and science is that scientific theories are ever changing and constantly invalidate or replace each other. Torah, however, remains steadfast and true, and it always will. Instead of allowing science to change our interpretation of the Torah, it is important to analyze science from the perspective of the Torah and determine how that theory conforms to science to see if it has any truth.

With ongoing scientific research, theories are being updated and discovering new knowledge that either discredits old understandings or aligns more with Torah values. While the big bang theory is a huge scientific basis, many scientists who support it agree with the Torah’s view that the universe came to be from, essentially, nothingness until Hashem created it. Professor Stephen Hawking of the University of Cambridge once said, “the creation lies outside the scope of the known laws of physics.” Perhaps this alludes to the “nothingness” which existed before creation.

We read in Bereishis that on the sixth day, Hashem created male and female. The Aggadah’s interpretation of Rashi explains that a two-faced creature of both male and female was made. Current science has explained that a female DNA contains only X chromosomes while male DNA has an X and a Y, containing both female and male at the same time, a reference to the creature mentioned in the Torah.

More often than realized, science can be found sprinkled throughout the Torah. In Parshas Noach, according to the dimensions defined, it seems that the ark was built according to the principle of the golden ratio. Additionally, the angles coincide with the Egyptian pyramids, and scientifically, the space within pyramids has unique features such as that food and water do not spoil within them, as is evident through Noach’s journey. In the dream of Yaakov Avinu, of four angels ascending and descending a ladder, Rambam comments that there are four forces of nature, corresponding to these four angels. Moreso, Chazal explains that one angel fulfills only one mission and science states the same thing, that two forces can’t stand the same interaction.

An interesting example to be seen in our own life is a recent study done by Professor Linda McMaron about a “twelve second formula”. She explained that upon waking, it takes twelve seconds for the blood to flow from the foot to the brain, and if not given the full twelve seconds (by standing too early), one can result in dizziness or even fainting. Now take a look at the Jewish day. We begin by saying Modeh Ani, immediately upon opening our eyes. Count the words of that prayer. You may be surprised to find that there are exactly twelve words in this short prayer we say each morning. Twelve words corresponding to the twelve seconds. Even before all the latest scientific studies, Hashem built this mechanism into our day to ensure our health and stability.

As we can see, Hashem created His world and Torah in a way of utmost truth. Though sometimes it is important to approach the Torah from a lens of scientific view, we must be sure to understand that we are simple human beings with finite amounts of understanding and we will never be able to completely answer all of our questions about the universe, created by Hashem who is infinite and limitless.