Einstein in Search of G-d - Obscure Sermon Opposing Prof. Albert Einstein's Concepts of Judaism, by Rev. De Sola Pool

Einstein in Search of G-d - Obscure Sermon Opposing Prof. Albert Einstein's Concepts of Judaism, by Rev. De Sola Pool

Printed sermon delivered by Rev. de Sola Pool in the Sephardic synagogue "Shearit Yisrael" of New York on parashat Chayei Sarah, November 15, 1930. The sermon argues that the great innovations in the field of physics attributed to Einstein, along with his understanding of the material world, were embodied in Judaism long before, and were expounded more deeply and broadly than in Einstein's great theories.

The sermon was articulated in sarcastic and critical language that negates Einstein's world-renowned greatness, and is opened with words of cynical honor: "When Albert Einstein speaks, the world listens." Rabbi Sola claims that Einstein's theory of relativity is hinted at by several verses in the Psalms. He also claims that Einstein's elucidations of verses with expressions of the Creator's personification are mistaken in light of the correct interpretation, because he ignores Chazal's principle, "The Torah speaks in human language." He continues, quoting phrases from the hymn 'Adon Olam,' and the wording of the prayer service that express the smallness of man in the face of the Creator's greatness, and attacks Einstein on basic elemental points in his thinking. The sermon is built in the form of debate, "Einstein tells us" on one side, and in opposition, the traditional Jewish worldview, embodied within the Writings in a manner far more profound and broad in comparison to the worldview of the great scientist.

This is an obscure sermon that was printed at the peak of the scientist's world publicity [about two years before he emigrated to America].

Is not in the National Library, nor bibliographically listed.

Eight pages. 22 cm. Unbound. Slight tear in the margins of the leaves. The paper is slightly fragile. Fine condition.