Sinai and Synapses provides tools and language for learning and living to those who see science as their ally as they pursue personal growth and the repair of our world. The program equips scientists, clergy, and dedicated laypeople with knowledge and skills to become role models and ambassadors for grappling with the biggest and most important questions we face. We believe that in order to enhance ourselves and our world, we need both religion and science as sources of wisdom, as the spark for new questions, and as inspiration and motivation.

Through classes, seminars, lectures, videos, podcasts and writings, Sinai and Synapses helps create a vision of religion that embraces critical thinking and scientific inquiry, and at the same time, gives meaning to people’s lives and helps them make a positive impact on society. Some of our initiatives include:

• Scientists in Synagogues, an initiative funded primarily through The John Templeton Foundation,  offers Jews opportunities to explore the most interesting and pressing questions surrounding Judaism and science, and to share how some of the most thoughtful Jewish scientists integrate their Judaism and their scientific work.
• Jewish Thought and Jewish Education for the Digital Future, funded by JTF, focuses on the ways in which new digital tools can deepen values and virtues in the Jewish community.
• The Sinai and Synapses Fellowship, is a select interfaith group of clergy, scientists and writers who are committed to elevating the discourse surrounding religion and science, and funded primarily through Templeton Religion Trust.
• Resource films produced by Fourth Line Films, highlights the science of ritual, differing sources of truth, and how we experience awe.
• “Belief in the Future,” a podcast hosted by Dr. David Zvi Kalman, explores the interplay of Judaism and technology.
• “Sacred Science,” a collection of interviews created during COVID, and showcases some of the leading thinkers on Judaism, science, and the issues of the day.
• Public programs – such as “Judaism and Science: Schism or Synergy?” at the Streicker Center and “The Genius of Good and Evil” at the 92nd St. Y — explore the many ways science and religion interact, and how we can ensure that interaction is productive.