Science and Jews

[Jeremyw]

I'm not Jewish but I am curious as to why there are so many great Jewish scientists and scholars. Is it something in the culture or religion that encourages academic study and achievement?

 

[bob x]

Because their religion was the first to be scripture-driven, they encouraged universal literacy long before other cultures did.

 

[bananabrain]

and we never gave it up - in fact, the importance of universal study contributed to the eventual emergence of a culture of lifelong learning, which we still have. learning was always, domestically, the key to social advancement (particularly in the days where community leadership by rabbis was a general principle) and has, i suppose, given rise to a perception that learning is the key to advancement in general. in modern times, this has been evidenced by jewish immigrants seizing on the professions (e.g. law, medicine, accountancy) as a path to social advancement and acceptance, not to mention financial security for their children. hence the old jewish joke about the grandmother pushing her twin baby grandsons in a buggy/stroller and introducing them to people thus:

"This one's the doctor and this one's the lawyer."

b'shalom

bananabrain

 

[RyanWhite]

May I suggest that the answer is found in Deuteronomy 28.

The Jews have chosen to follow the Torah and according to Deut 28, they are blessed because of this. Many Christians on the other hand have chosen to reject the Torah based on their interpretation of Paul's writing even though Yeshua (Jesus) said in Matthew 5:17-19:
"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law (Torah) or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law (Torah) till all is fulfilled.
Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

I tend to believe that when the Almighty chooses to say something to us, He means it and will not go back on His word.

 

[wil]

hence the old jewish joke about the grandmother pushing her twin baby grandsons in a buggy/stroller and introducing them to people thus:

I can't speak to the rest of the world....but the Jewish mothers I know stateside....

Like Oriental mothers in a way....studying and good grades are paramount, becoming a professional member of society, excelling in your field...not a wish...a requirement.

Entertainment, management, lawyers, doctors, scientists, professors, accountants....these are your choices of profession, not nursing, secretarial, construction, cooking....now you can own a restaurant, or construction company, or business....but hourly wage earner....not.