Last Tuesday night, the Bruriah juniors and seniors were privileged to hear from several distinguished speakers on topics in science as it pertains to Jewish law. It is imperative that young women who will go on to pursue careers in STEM and other specialties, get educated with clarity on recent scientific medical and scientific innovations. “There are questions that need to be asked in the modern world,” explained Bruriah Assistant Principal Debbie Bornstein. “It is important for our students to understand how Halacha plays a role in scientific discoveries.”

The evening began with an introduction by Bruriah Principal Dr. Bethany Strulowitz, followed by keynote speaker, Rabbi Dr. Edward Reichman. Rabbi Dr. Reichman is the professor of Emergency Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His topic of discussion was “From Smallpox to Stem Cells: Jewish Medical Ethics Throughout the Ages.” The students then chose from one of two sessions; one from noted Biochemist Dr. Jacob Victor, on the topic of Genetics and Halacha, the other from Rabbi Dr. Joshua Strulowitz, Halacha Department chair at Yeshiva University High School for Girls, who discussed the age of the universe from a Torah perspective.

Bruriah students felt the program contextualized and crystallized their many years of science classes, and many left the program eager to learn more about the topics that were explored. Junior Esther Bracha Zahtz said, “I felt that the program brought together a lot of Bruriah values, by connecting the primacy of Halacha with the importance of science. These two elements play such a vital role in the way we are taught at Bruriah.”