Torah and Science Conference

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: spirituality@fiu.edu

Tenth Miami International Torah & Science Conference takes place Dec. 13-16 at The Shul

WHAT: Is there a beginning and an end to the universe? What role can medical breakthroughs play in conception or genetic engineering? Can science help us pinpoint the end of human life? Does the soul emanate from the brain, or vice-versa? These are some of the questions that will be discussed at the Tenth Miami International Torah & Science Conference, titled “Beginnings, Endings & Renewals,” to feature talks by 15 scientific, academic and relgious leaders from North America and Israel. The three-day conference, which also offers a pre-conference Friday, Dec. 13 Shabbat evening dinner with the scientists, kicks off 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, with the program, “Beginning of Life,” featuring Dr. John D. Loike of Columbia University, Israel Prize laureate Rabbi Abraham Steinberg of Hebrew University and Schaaare Zedek Hospital, and Rabbi Moshe D. Tendler of Yeshiva University. The conference continues through Monday, Dec. 16, with the final session at 7:30 p.m. For more information and a complete program schedule, visit: www.torahscienceconference.org.

WHO: Opening Night Presenters:

  • Dr. John D. Loike is director of special programs for the Center for Bioethics and co-director for graduate studies in the Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. His areas of interest in bioethics include stem cells, cloning, neuroethics, bioterrorism, and the interface of science and religion.
  • Rabbi Abraham Steinberg, M.D., is a senior pediatric neurologist at Shaare Zedek Hospital and director of the Center for Medical Ethics at the Hebrew University Medical School in Israel. A 1999 recipient of the Israel Prize for his Encyclopedia of Jewish Medical Ethics, he is the author of numerous books on Jewish medical ethics, general medical ethics, the history of medicine and pediatric neurology.
  • Rabbi Moshe D. Tendler is Rosh Yeshiva Emeritus of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), the Rabbi Isaac and Bella Tendler Professor of Jewish Medical Ethics, and professor of Biology, all at Yeshiva University in New York. Ordained at RIETS and with a Ph.D. in microbiology from Columbia University, he is a noted expert on Jewish medical ethics and their relationship to Jewish law.

Organizers:

  • Founder and chief organizer of the Torah & Science Conference is The Shul of Bal Harbour’s spiritual leader, *Rabbi Sholom Lipskar* , who will deliver the opening remarks at the Saturday evening session. Lipskar initiated the Torah and Science Conference in 1987 with Herman Branover, a professor and world pioneer in magnetohydrodynamics.
  • Dr. Nathan Katz is founder and director of Florida International University’s Program in the Study of Spirituality in the School of International and Public Affairs, where he is a Distinguished Professor. He will participate in the Torah and Science Conference, including presiding over the opening program.
  • Dr. Joseph Bodenheimer is professor of electro-optics at the Jerusalem College of Technology where he also served as rector and until 2009, as president. He is editor-in-chief of B’Or Ha’Torah, a journal on the interrelationship of Judaism, science and technology, psychology, the arts, and social issues.

WHEN AND WHERE: The conference takes place Saturday, Dec. 14 - Monday, Dec. 16 at The Shul, 9540 Collins Ave., Surfside. All conference sessions are free and open to the public.

Prior to the conference, The Shul will host a “Torah & Science Shabbaton,” Friday, Dec. 13-Saturday, Dec. 14, which will include a Friday night Shabbat dinner with the scientists. Featured speaker that evening will be *Rabbi Simon Jacobson*, author of Toward a Meaningful Life and founder of The Meaningful Life Center in New York. The Shabbaton will also include Shabbat worship opportunities Friday and Saturday, as well as lunch following the Shabbat (Saturday) morning service.

Cost for the Friday night dinner is $40 Shul members, $50 non-member, half the adult rate for children under 13. Reservation & payment in advance are required (beginning Nov. 25) to The Shul at 305.868.1411, ext. 0.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please call 305-868-1411, ext. 7314, or tsc@theshul.org.

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