About the Course
Core Course
This curriculum aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of physics, enriched with insights from Torah and Kabbalah. The added focus on the history of physics, including the contributions of Jewish physicists, and the exploration of advanced topics and organizations, provides students with a broad perspective on the field of physics and its intersection with Jewish thought.
First Semester
Weeks 1-2: Foundations of Physics
Topics: Nature of Science, Scientific Methodology.
Torah Integration: Creation and the nature of the universe from a Torah perspective.
Assignment: Essay on scientific and Kabbalistic methodologies.
Weeks 3-4: Measurement & Units, Vector Analysis
Topics: SI system, dimensional analysis, vector operations.
Torah Integration: Proportions in the construction of the Tabernacle (Mishkan).
Assignment: Mathematically analyze vector problems with Torah parallels.
Weeks 5-6: Kinematics
Topics: Motion, free fall, projectile motion.
Torah Integration: Parting of the Red Sea and sound waves.
Assignment: Calculate projectile motion; relate to the splitting of the sea.
Weeks 7-8: Dynamics
Topics: Newton’s laws, friction, tension.
Torah Integration: Strength of Samson.
Assignment: Explore force calculations in the context of Torah narratives.
Weeks 9-10: Work, Energy, Power
Topics: Conservation of energy, work-energy theorem.
Torah Integration: Yaakov’s dream of the ladder and the concept of spiritual ascent.
Assignment: Analyze the work-energy theorem in the context of Yaakov’s ladder.
Weeks 11-12: Momentum
Topics: Conservation of momentum, collisions.
Torah Integration: David and Goliath’s battle.
Assignment: Momentum calculations and their representation in Torah stories.
Weeks 13-14: Rotational Dynamics
Topics: Torque, angular momentum.
Torah Integration: Dreidels and their historical significance.
Assignment: Examine angular momentum in the context of Torah symbols.
Weeks 15-16: Gravitation
Topics: Universal law of gravitation, orbits.
Torah Integration: Joseph’s dream and celestial bodies.
Assignment: Gravitational force calculations and Kabbalistic perspectives.
Weeks 17-19: Waves and Oscillations
Topics: Simple Harmonic Motion, wave characteristics, sound vibration.
Torah Integration: Shofar’s sound at Mount Sinai and the walls of Jericho.
Assignment: Study sound wave properties in the context of the walls of Jericho.
Second Semester
Week 1: History of Physics and Jewish Physicists
Topics: Development of physics, contributions by Jewish physicists from various countries.
Assignment: Research and presentation on a notable Jewish physicist and their contributions.
Weeks 2-3: Thermodynamics
Topics: Laws of thermodynamics.
Torah Integration: Burning bush and energy conservation paralleled with Divine energy.
Assignment: Compare thermodynamic laws with the enduring nature of Hashem.
Weeks 4-5: Kinetic Theory of Gases
Topics: Ideal gas law, RMS speed.
Torah Integration: Ten plagues and properties of gases.
Assignment: Gas law calculations and their relation to Torah narratives.
Weeks 6-7: Electricity and Magnetism
Topics: Electrostatics, DC circuits.
Torah Integration: Ark of the Covenant and static electricity.
Assignment: Explore electrical phenomena in the context of Torah stories.
Weeks 8-9: Electromagnetic Waves
Topics: Electromagnetic spectrum.
Torah Integration: Pillars of cloud and fire in the desert.
Assignment: Analyze light properties and relate to Torah phenomena.
Weeks 10-11: Modern Physics – Quantum Mechanics
Topics: Photoelectric effect, dual nature of light.
Torah Integration: Miracles and quantum mechanics.
Assignment: Relate quantum uncertainty to Kabbalistic concepts.
Weeks 12-13: Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Topics: Models of the atom, radioactivity.
Torah Integration: Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Assignment: Discuss nuclear reactions in the context of Torah stories.
Weeks 14-15: Relativity
Topics: Special relativity, time dilation.
Torah Integration: Joshua stopping the sun.
Assignment: Explore relativity and its parallels in Torah narratives.
Weeks 16-17: Advanced Topics in Physics
Topics: Astrophysics, particle physics, solid-state physics, fluid mechanics.
Special Focus: Top physics research departments, Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists.
Assignment: Research project on the application of physics in modern technology or a study of the mission and activities of the Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists.
Weeks 18-19: Vibrations and Matter
Topics: Effects of vibrations on matter (e.g., Emoto’s water crystal experiments).
Torah Integration: Power of words in Torah and Kabbalah.
Assignment: Investigate how positive and negative vibrations affect physical matter.