By the Grace of G-d . . .Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

. . . P.S. For many years I have studied at the University in Berlin and later also in Paris. My principal subjects were the exact sciences such as mathematics, physics etc. Thus I had frequent opportunities to meet specialists in these fields of science (among them several who had received the Nobel Prize). It is curious that despite the fact that these scientists were permeated with the scientific approach, as well as scientific thinking and methodology, yet when there arose a problem in their personal life, particularly where the solution would have necessitated them to change their habits or way of life or to curb their natural inclinations etc. — many of them could not a priori examine their problem in a scientific way.

More significant still is the fact that they simply could not see how subjective and unscientific they were in this matter, for it really appeared to them that here too their approach was absolutely scientific.

I mention the above because it has a bearing on your letter and I will here specify one point (although it is not the most essential one): you write in a matter-of-fact manner and with apparent non-concern that the words of Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi¹ and his proof deriving from the fact that six hundred thousand adult Jews received and transmitted the Torah etc., that this “no longer holds the force for me.” I have, of course, heard a similar sentiment expressed by many others and so far not one of them could explain on what basis the said proof is refuted. Surely this kind of proof which was advanced by Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi belongs to the category of basic proof in all sciences.