The science behind some mishnaic and talmudic passages

Abstract

There is much science in the Mishnah and Talmud and, without a proper background in the physical and natural sciences, earth science, mathematics and astronomy, the best the reader can do is to quickly gloss over the passages without understanding the intended meaning. To elucidate challenging halachic issues, the sages of the Mishnah and Talmud were cognizant of the world around them, both through astute observations and experimentation. At times, the initial recognition of a specific medical event can be attributed to a Mishnah and/or the Talmud. For example, whereas circumcision resulting in neonatal death was known, the first written observation that it was maternally transmitted in families as a genetic disorder was recorded in Talmud Yevamos 64b (Reisman, 2014). As halacha is all encompassing, the Talmud contains a wealth of scientific information (see Bernstein, 1938; Rosner, 2000) awaiting awaits deeper explanations. This article is an attempt to delve into the possible science behind some Mishnaic and Talmudic passages