Ten years ago, Menora invested in education for rabbis and teachers. We created a training center of rabbinical excellence and institutional leadership, under the auspices of Edmond J. Safra. It is a program designed to raise the academic level of rabbis and teachers in a comprehensive manner. The goal is to ensure that future generations receive the best education so that young people can give their best to the world.
The year 2020 was a year of great growth. The University of Palermo joined the program and together they planned the new curriculum. This time it was extended to rabbis and teachers from other communities.
This year we added another study plan : the Toraní trainings. The opening class was led by Chief Rabbi Isaac Sacca, who spoke about the relationship between science and the Torah.
” We do not study Torah to learn science, but we study science to better understand the Torah and fulfill our mission in the world in the best way “- stressed the Chief Rabbi.
The Rabbi explained that the Torah is not a book of science, but of ethics and morals. However, the Sages must rely on the scientific knowledge of each era in order to understand different concepts and precepts of the Torah. A clear example of this is the biblical precept to save life, Pikuach Néfesh. The Torah asks us to preserve life, but medicine tells us how to do it . Another example is the precept of the 4 species on the Sukkot festival, but how to obtain them, how to cultivate them, belongs to the sciences. The understanding of each precept and its application comes only through complementing the study of Torah with the other disciplines involved.
“As educators and rabbis, we must have a thorough knowledge of the world, it is not enough just to study the Torah. Likewise, to obtain advice on different issues, you must turn to the corresponding professional ”- concluded Sacca.
