Let a man always consider himself as if the Holy One dwells within him.
Talmud (Ta'anit)
The Holy One
Topic: Immanence & Transcendence
Let a man always consider himself as if the Holy One dwells within him.
Inspiring Journey of a Great Soul: Early Life, Teachings, and Death
Early Life
Niels Bohr was born on October 7, 1885, in Copenhagen, Denmark, into a family that fostered a strong academic environment. His father, Christian Bohr, was a respected physiology professor, while his mother, Ellen Adler Bohr, came from a well-educated Jewish family. This nurturing atmosphere ignited young Niels’s passion for learning, particularly in the fields of physics and mathematics. He excelled in his studies, earning his doctorate in 1911 from the University of Copenhagen, where he began to lay the groundwork for his groundbreaking contributions to quantum theory. Bohr’s early experiences and the intellectual climate of his upbringing would profoundly influence his revolutionary ideas about atomic structure and the behavior of electrons.
Teachings
Niels Bohr is best remembered for his pioneering work in quantum mechanics, particularly the Bohr model of the atom, which introduced the revolutionary concept that electrons orbit the nucleus at specific distances, or energy levels. His teaching extended beyond formal education; he was a mentor to many young physicists and championed the idea of open dialogue in scientific inquiry, famously coining the phrase “A physicist is just as good as his ability to ask the right questions.” Bohr’s philosophical insights into the interplay between classical and quantum physics have inspired countless scholars to explore the mysteries of the universe. His belief in the importance of cooperation among scientists, particularly evident in the establishment of the Niels Bohr Institute, fostered a collaborative spirit that continues to resonate in scientific communities worldwide.
Death
Niels Bohr passed away on November 18, 1962, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire generations of scientists. His contributions to the understanding of atomic theory and quantum mechanics not only transformed the field of physics but also had profound implications across various disciplines, including chemistry and philosophy. Bohr’s commitment to peace and democracy during turbulent times, particularly in the wake of World War II, underscored his belief that science should serve humanity. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the power of curiosity and collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge and the profound impact that one dedicated individual can have on the world. Niels Bohr’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, inviting us all to explore the depths of our own intellectual potential.
Talmud (Ta'anit)
Wilson, Andrew, editor. World Scripture - a Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts. Paragon House, 1991, p. 141 [Talmud, Ta'anit 11b].
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Context and Commentary—Talmud, Ta’anit 11b
In Judaism and Christianity, human beings are regarded as created in the image of God (imago dei) and meant to be the home for God’s indwelling Spirit.
God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
—Judaism and Christianity. Bible, Genesis 1.26.
“Beloved is man, for he was created in the image of God. But it was by a special love that it was made known to him that he was created in the image of God.”
—Judaism. Mishnah, Abot 3.18.
And the Lord said to Moses, “Say to all the congregation of the people of Israel, ‘You shall be holy; for I the Lord your God am holy.'”
—Judaism and Christianity. Bible, Leviticus 19.1-2.*
[*Leviticus 19.1-2: This is a particularly important foundational verse for the Jewish ethic of holiness—to be in the image of God See the rabbinic passages which follow.]
“Let a man always consider himself as if the Holy One dwells within him.”
—Judaism. Talmud, Ta’anit 11b
“Just as God fills the whole world, so the soul fills the body. Just as God sees, but is not seen, so the soul sees, but is not itself seen. Just as God feeds the whole world, so the soul feeds the whole body. Just as God is pure, so the soul is pure. Just as God dwells in the innermost precincts [of the Temple], so also the soul dwells in the innermost part of the body.”
—Judaism. Talmud, Berakot 10a.
Gender balance
“Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind (adam) in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion…’ And God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Gen 1:26-27 clarifies that the Hebrew term adam stands for the generic species of humanity which is composed of men and women. If there is any doubt in this interpretation, Gen 5:2-3 declares and defines again: “When God created humankind, he made him in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them humankind when they were created.”
—Maryanne Cline Horowitz [ “The Image of God in Man—Is Woman Included?” Harvard Theological Review, vol. 72, no. 3-4, 1979] pp. 175–206.