A Word from the Editor
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This editorial examines the implications of neurological research on brain hemisphere specialization for contemporary Jewish religious practice. Drawing upon findings that the left hemisphere governs verbal and rational functions while the right hemisphere controls emotional and aesthetic activities, the author argues that modern Judaism has become imbalanced by over-emphasizing left-brain rational discourse at the expense of right-brain spiritual experience. The analysis employs comparative methodology, contrasting traditional Jewish services incorporating chanting and physical movement with liberal services characterized primarily by verbal discourse. The study identifies two key implications: first, that contemporary Judaism risks spiritual impoverishment by privileging intellectual over emotional religious expression, as evidenced by young people's attraction to Hasidic practices and mysticism; second, that prayer functions as a right-hemisphere activity designed to affect emotional states rather than convey rational meaning. The author concludes that liturgical translation and explanation may be counterproductive, arguing that Hebrew singing and traditional practices better facilitate communal transcendence and authentic worship experiences. These findings suggest that balanced Jewish religious practice requires integration of both cerebral hemispheres through incorporating mystical, aesthetic, and embodied elements alongside rational discourse.

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Published 1982
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Harold Kushner