3 Cognitive Science Books That Have Influenced My Judaism

By Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman

Why is it often so hard to do the right thing? Why doesn’t everyone share our same beliefs? And why is it so hard to be happy?

These are questions that are integral to the field of cognitive science—the study of how and why we think, feel and act the way we do. But what’s interesting is that so many of these questions have links to Jewish thought and practice.

As someone whose shelves are overflowing with books about cognitive science, and who often integrates these findings with Jewish teachings, I want to share three books that teach Jewish ideas.

The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone—Especially Ourselves by Dan Ariely

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Sinai and Synapses is an organization whose mission is to offer people a worldview that is both scientifically grounded and spiritually uplifting. It aims to provide tools and language for learning and living to the millions of people who see science as their ally as they pursue personal growth and the repair of our world.

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