I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Wisotsky (“Secular Studies Are a Major Part of Torah,” August 8, 2024) that secular subjects are part of Torah. Not only is the Talmud replete with scientific, medical, mathematical and philosophical information but many of our greatest rishonim like the Rambam, RaLBaG, R. Yosef Albo, Rashi, Saadia Gaon and others were also philosophers, scientists, grammarians and mathematicians. Contemporary gedolim like the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rav Soloveitchik, Rav Lichtenstein, Rav Moshe Tendler, Rav Eliezer Waldenberg and others studied engineering, biology, philosophy, literature, medicine, etc. I understand that not everyone is destined to be a gadol and therefore they must prioritize Torah study. However, putting aside the issue of making a living, if all knowledge is intrinsically part of Torah, then the question remains, why in certain circles is this ignored?

Rabbi Wallace Greene, Ph.D.
Fair Lawn