THERE’S A CURIOUS LEARNER IN YOUR LIFE WHO WILL LOVE THIS.
The Science Behind the Mishnah engages inquisitive minds with fascinating explanations of scientific topics encountered in Mishnayos Berachos.
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Enthusiastic Haskamos from leading Roshei Yeshiva
Rav asher weiss
Shlit”a
Rosh Yeshivas Darchei Torah
Rav yitzchak berkowitz shlit”a
Rosh Yeshivas Aish
HaTorah
Rav shaya karlinsky shlit”a
Rosh Yeshivas Shapell’s Darché Noam
Rav Avishai david
shlit”a
Rosh Yeshivas Toras Shraga
This is a superb book. It stands out … both for its content and its presentation.
RABBI DR. AKIVA TATZ
NOTED EXPERT IN THE FIELD
OF TORAH AND MEDICINE
32 Fascinating chapters to explore
The mishnayos are brought to life by selected topics across physics, chemistry, biology and Earth sciences.
100s OF FULL-COLOR PICTURES AND DIAGRAMS
Complex concepts become exciting and accessible for young adults and visual learners.
WITH HASKAMOS FROM LEADING ROSHEI YESHIVA
Reviewed by rabbanim, doctors, and scientists, so you’ll find accurate science consistent with Torah values.
As seen on
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
“We’re on a mission to harness science to reveal the
genius of Hashem’s creation. Ahavah and yirah are inspired
through better understanding His Torah and His world.”
READ THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK
Rabbi Jonathan Sassen
Rabbi Jonathan Sassen studied at Oxford University, where he earned a first class B.Sc. degree in Metallurgy and Material Science. He received his semicha from Rabbi Shmuel Katz and currently lives and learns in Ramat Beit Shemesh. He has a keen interest in science, archeology, and their intersection with Judaism.
Fun fact!
Jonathan is the Chief Technology Officer for Epsilor-Electric Fuel where he has worked for over 30 years in electrochemical research, development, and manufacturing of next generation batteries.
Rabbi joel padowitz
Rabbi Joel Padowitz received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and his MBA from Bar Ilan University. He received his rabbinic training from Rav Yitzchak Berkovits and the Jerusalem Kollel, where he was one of the founding seven avreichim. He currently lives and teaches in Ramat Beit Shemesh and has been teaching Jewish adults for more than twenty years.
Fun fact!
As a student, he won first place at the US National Science Olympiad and was honored at the White House by President George H.W. Bush for outstanding achievements in science.
Questions for the authors?
WHO IS THIS SEFER
INTENDED FOR?
Curious minds from early teenage years and up.
Satisfy your child’s endless thirst for knowledge with advanced-yet-accessible explanations about the world around them.
Supplement science education, especially for those beyond 8th grade or in schools with limited chol curricula.
Provide a reliable source of scientific information that aligns with Torah values, addressing common concerns in science education.
Rebbeim and Science Teachers
Inspire your students
with the magnificence of Chochmas Hashem and timeless wisdom of our chachamim.
Provide scientific education
anchored to Torah sources, ensuring the correct blend of scientific understanding and Jewish values.
Engage your students
with age-appropriate content alongside clear visual aids, making complex concepts accessible and memorable.
Curious minds from early teenage years and up.
Satisfy your child’s endless thirst for knowledge with advanced-yet-accessible explanations about the world around them.
Supplement science education, especially for those beyond 8th grade or in schools with limited chol curricula.
Provide a reliable source of scientific information that aligns with Torah values, addressing common concerns in science education.
Rebbeim and Science Teachers
Inspire your students
with the magnificence of Chochmas Hashem and timeless wisdom of our chachamim.
Provide scientific education
anchored to Torah sources, ensuring the correct blend of scientific understanding and Jewish values.
Engage your students
with age-appropriate content alongside clear visual aids, making complex concepts accessible and memorable.
WHO IS THIS SEFER
INTENDED FOR?
STUDENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL AGE & UP
Satisfy your child’s endless thirst for knowledge with advanced-yet-accessible explanations about the world around them.
Supplement science education, especially for those beyond 8th grade or in schools with limited chol curricula.
Provide a reliable source of information that aligns with Torah values, addressing common concerns in science education.
SCHOOL REBBEIM &
SCIENCE TEACHERS
Inspire young minds with the magnificence of Chochmas Hashem and timeless wisdom of our chachamim.
Provide scientific education anchored to Torah sources, ensuring the correct blend of scientific understanding and Jewish values.
Engage your students with age-appropriate content alongside clear visual aids, making complex concepts accessible and memorable.
PREVIEW FROM EITHER A TORAH OR SCIENCE ORIENTATION
The book can be read cover-to-cover as an enjoyable exploration of Mishnah Berachos,
or used as a supplement for science education at home or in the classroom.
See the Full Table of Contents
Ch. 1: Twilight
See(Berachos 1:1)
Ch. 12: Rain
See(Berachos 5:2)
Ch. 16: Mushrooms
See(Berachos 6:3)
Ch. 24: Cellular Respiration
See(Berachos 6:8)
Ch. 28: Comets & Meteors
See(Berachos 9:2)
See Sample Science Curricula
PHYSICS – Suggested Curriculum
Atomic structure and electricity
Chapter 30: Lightning and Electricity
Electromagnetic spectrum and black body radiation
Chapter 26: The Color of Fire
Infrared
Chapter 10: Snakes
Light scattering
Chapter 1: Twilight
Light absorption, reflection, and color
Chapter 3: Color Vision
Convex reflection
Chapter 8: Convex Reflection
Sound waves, amplitude, frequency, and the speed of sound
Chapter 31: Thunder and Sound
Sound and vibration
Chapter 4: Whispering
Air pressure
Chapter 11: Wind and Air Pressure
Atomic structure and electricity
Chapter 30: Lightning and Electricity
Electromagnetic spectrum and black body radiation
Chapter 26: The Color of Fire
Infrared
Chapter 10: Snakes
Light scattering
Chapter 1: Twilight
Light absorption, reflection, and color
Chapter 3: Color Vision
Convex reflection
Chapter 8: Convex Reflection
Sound waves, amplitude, frequency, and the speed of sound
Chapter 31: Thunder and Sound
Sound and vibration
Chapter 4: Whispering
Air pressure
Chapter 11: Wind and Air Pressure
CHEMISTRY – Suggested Curriculum
Atoms, molecules, and combustion
Chapter 24: Hydration and Cellular Respiration
Oxidation and chemical bonds
Chapter 25: Sparks and Making Fire
Covalent bonding, ions, and acids
Chapter 17: Vinegar and Acids
Organic molecules and macro-molecules
Chapter 15: Bread and Nutrition
Solubility, ionic bonding, osmosis, and crystal structure
Chapter 22: Salt, Food Preservation, and Crystals
Water phase changes
Chapter 12: Rain, Precipitation, and the Water Cycle
Fermentation
Chapter 14: Wine and Fermentation
Milk
Chapter 19: Milk
Cheese
Chapter 20: Cheese
Atoms, molecules, and combustion
Chapter 24: Hydration and Cellular Respiration
Oxidation and chemical bonds
Chapter 25: Sparks and Making Fire
Covalent bonding, ions, and acids
Chapter 17: Vinegar and Acids
Organic molecules and macro-molecules
Chapter 15: Bread and Nutrition
Solubility, ionic bonding, osmosis, and crystal structure
Chapter 22: Salt, Food Preservation, and Crystals
Water phase changes
Chapter 12: Rain, Precipitation, and the Water Cycle
Fermentation
Chapter 14: Wine and Fermentation
Milk
Chapter 19: Milk
Cheese
Chapter 20: Cheese
GENERAL BIOLOGY – Suggested Curriculum
Atoms, molecules, and combustion
Chapter 24: Hydration and Cellular Respiration
Oxidation and chemical bonds
Chapter 25: Sparks and Making Fire
Covalent bonding, ions, and acids
Chapter 17: Vinegar and Acids
Organic molecules and macro-molecules
Chapter 15: Bread and Nutrition
Solubility, ionic bonding, osmosis, and crystal structure
Chapter 22: Salt, Food Preservation, and Crystals
Water phase changes
Chapter 12: Rain, Precipitation, and the Water Cycle
Fermentation
Chapter 14: Wine and Fermentation
Milk
Chapter 19: Milk
Cheese
Chapter 20: Cheese
Atoms, molecules, and combustion
Chapter 24: Hydration and Cellular Respiration
Oxidation and chemical bonds
Chapter 25: Sparks and Making Fire
Covalent bonding, ions, and acids
Chapter 17: Vinegar and Acids
Organic molecules and macro-molecules
Chapter 15: Bread and Nutrition
Solubility, ionic bonding, osmosis, and crystal structure
Chapter 22: Salt, Food Preservation, and Crystals
Water phase changes
Chapter 12: Rain, Precipitation, and the Water Cycle
Fermentation
Chapter 14: Wine and Fermentation
Milk
Chapter 19: Milk
Cheese
Chapter 20: Cheese
HUMAN BIOLOGY – Suggested Curriculum
Digestion and the gastrointestinal tract
Chapter 27: Digestion
Nutrition
Chapter 15: Bread and Nutrition
Fat
Chapter 2: Fats
Hydration, cells, and cellular respiration
Chapter 24: Hydration and Cellular Respiration
Bacteria, cells, and membranes
Chapter 22: Salt, Food Preservation, and Crystals
Speech and the vocal apparatus
Chapter 4: Whispering
Sense of sight and the eyes
Chapter 3: Color Vision
Sense of smell and the nose
Chapter 21: Incense and Our Sense of Smell
Sense of taste and the tongue
Chapter 23: Water and Our Sense of Taste
Sense of hearing and the ear
Chapter 31: Thunder and Sound
Digestion and the gastrointestinal tract
Chapter 27: Digestion
Nutrition
Chapter 15: Bread and Nutrition
Fat
Chapter 2: Fats
Hydration, cells, and cellular respiration
Chapter 24: Hydration and Cellular Respiration
Bacteria, cells, and membranes
Chapter 22: Salt, Food Preservation, and Crystals
Speech and the vocal apparatus
Chapter 4: Whispering
Sense of sight and the eyes
Chapter 3: Color Vision
Sense of smell and the nose
Chapter 21: Incense and Our Sense of Smell
Sense of taste and the tongue
Chapter 23: Water and Our Sense of Taste
Sense of hearing and the ear
Chapter 31: Thunder and Sound
EARTH SCIENCES – Suggested Curriculum
Introduction to astronomy
Chapter 28: Meteors and Comets
The Earth’s rotation
Chapter 6: Sun Movement
Seasons
Chapter 7: Halachic Hours
Plate tectonics
Chapter 29: Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
Forces of erosion and activity on the surface of the Earth
Chapter 32: Mountains, Hills, Seas, and Rivers
The Atmosphere and wind
Chapter 11: Wind and Air Pressure
Precipitation and the water cycle
Chapter 12: Rain, Precipitation, and the Water
Cycle
Atmospheric effects on light
Chapter 1: Twilight
Lightning
Chapter 30: Lightning and Electricity
Thunder
Chapter 31: Thunder and Sound
Introduction to astronomy
Chapter 28: Meteors and Comets
The Earth’s rotation
Chapter 6: Sun Movement
Seasons
Chapter 7: Halachic Hours
Plate tectonics
Chapter 29: Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
Forces of erosion and activity on the surface of the Earth
Chapter 32: Mountains, Hills, Seas, and Rivers
The Atmosphere and wind
Chapter 11: Wind and Air Pressure
Precipitation and the water cycle
Chapter 12: Rain, Precipitation, and the Water
Cycle
Atmospheric effects on light
Chapter 1: Twilight
Lightning
Chapter 30: Lightning and Electricity
Thunder
Chapter 31: Thunder and Sound
While the book is appropriate for teens, we’ve partnered with edutainment platform TorahLive to create a fun episode for younger children.
FAQS
What is the scope of the book?
The sefer is structured as a peirush on the mishnayos of Meseches Berachos. Not every mishnah is explained, but there are 32 stand-alone topics explored. In the process we elaborate on a wide variety of important scientific concepts and bring inspiring lessons from Hashem’s creation.
Will you write other volumes on other masechtos?
We would like to. Our work on Meseches Shabbos is already underway!
Is the book available in Hebrew?
Not yet, but we are currently working on that as well!
Who do you see buying this book?
It would make a great present for the curious young adult. Their parents are likely to enjoy it too! We think many classrooms would greatly benefit from it as well.
Is there a teachers’ handbook or other resources for using this book as a teaching aid?
Not yet, but we’re very open to developing one if there’s sufficient demand. Please contact us if you’re potentially interested in such a resource.
Where is the material in the book sourced from?
We drew from a variety of reputable scientific sources. All kodesh sources have been cited throughout the sefer.
When there is a machlokes (conflict of opinions) in the commentaries, how do you decide which opinion to follow?
As this isn’t a halachic work, we generally avoid taking sides in disputes. When necessary, we clearly cite the opinion we’re following. We’ve done our best to ensure that any definitive statements align with the prevailing halachic consensus.
Are there any other features about the book that I should know about?
Yes, two key features make it an especially powerful learning tool:
- Suggested curricula for teaching physics, chemistry, general biology, human biology, and Earth sciences can be found at the beginning. Click here to see them.
- A 25-page glossary explaining hundreds of scientific terms highlighted throughout the text can be found at the end. Click here for a sample.
The sefer is structured as a peirush on the mishnayos of Meseches Berachos. Not every mishnah is explained, but there are 32 stand-alone topics explored. In the process we elaborate on a wide variety of important scientific concepts and bring inspiring lessons from Hashem’s creation.
We would like to. Our work on Meseches Shabbos is already underway!
Not yet, but we are currently working on that as well!
It would make a great present for the curious young adult. Their parents are likely to enjoy it too! We think many classrooms would greatly benefit from it as well.
Not yet, but we’re very open to developing one if there’s sufficient demand. Please contact us if you’re potentially interested in such a resource.
We drew from a variety of reputable scientific sources. All kodesh sources have been cited throughout the sefer.
As this isn’t a halachic work, we generally avoid taking sides in disputes. When necessary, we clearly cite the opinion we’re following. We’ve done our best to ensure that any definitive statements align with the prevailing halachic consensus.
Yes, two key features make it an especially powerful learning tool:
- Suggested curricula for teaching physics, chemistry, general biology, human biology, and Earth sciences can be found at the beginning. Click here to see them.
- A 25-page glossary explaining hundreds of scientific terms highlighted throughout the text can be found at the end. Click here for a sample.
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Bulk-order inquiries? Contact us
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