The Gra said that to the degree that one lacks any of the seven wisdoms, he will lack in understanding of Torah a hundred fold more. That statement was printed in the (Introduction to) Translation of Euclid by one of the Gra's disciples.
This refers to what was in the Middle Ages a well known set of subjects, including Math, Music and Astronomy etc.[Trivium, Quadrium]
In the חובות לבבות Obligations of the Heart [Ibn Pakuda] this same idea comes up except there in the Introduction he has Metaphysics and only later in שער הבחינה [Gate of Reflection] he goes into the need to know Physics, Biology and human anatomy.
Plus he adds there even practical wisdom--the same kinds of things he said in the Introduction were not necessary for Torah, but then he adds them later in the Gate of Reflection as being necessary for reflection on the greatness of God.
[Rav Eliyahu Zilverman [Rosh Yeshiva of Aderet Eliyahu on the name of the Gra] said to me that Electrical Engineering is in the category of what the Gra meant and now I see the Obligations of the Heart also has that opinion.
The opinion of Saadia Gaon and the Rambam [Maimonides] I have already mentioned. The Rambam specifically wrote about the importance of Physics and Metaphysics as these subjects were understood by the ancient Greeks. He was not referring to mysticism.
[This is not meant to replace learning the regular curriculum of Torah--the two Talmuds with Tosphot, the Avi Ezri, Rav Haim from Brisk's חידושי הרמב''ם known as the Hidushei Rav Haim]
[Learning Torah I did myself for reasons. It leads to good character traits and fear of God and even eventually to "Devekut." Devekut is attachment with God as is brought in Deuteronomy 30:20. That is the highest goal is to be attached and one with God.]
That is in Shar Yashuv and the Mir I only learned Torah. But eventually I decided that the path of balance was better.--that is Torah with Physics an Math.
So now I want tell people how it is possible to learn Physics even if you do not think you understand.
That is from the Gemara in tractate Avoda Zara ""Always a person ought to be גורס (just say the words and go on.) even though he forgets and even thought he does not know what he is saying.
After one has finished the whole book, then to go back and review. i believe people ought to have two sessions of learning, one in the morning for in depth learning with lots of review. the other in the afternoon for fast learning--saying the words in order and going on. plus listening to classe in each subject from someone that knows it well.
This refers to what was in the Middle Ages a well known set of subjects, including Math, Music and Astronomy etc.[Trivium, Quadrium]
In the חובות לבבות Obligations of the Heart [Ibn Pakuda] this same idea comes up except there in the Introduction he has Metaphysics and only later in שער הבחינה [Gate of Reflection] he goes into the need to know Physics, Biology and human anatomy.
Plus he adds there even practical wisdom--the same kinds of things he said in the Introduction were not necessary for Torah, but then he adds them later in the Gate of Reflection as being necessary for reflection on the greatness of God.
[Rav Eliyahu Zilverman [Rosh Yeshiva of Aderet Eliyahu on the name of the Gra] said to me that Electrical Engineering is in the category of what the Gra meant and now I see the Obligations of the Heart also has that opinion.
The opinion of Saadia Gaon and the Rambam [Maimonides] I have already mentioned. The Rambam specifically wrote about the importance of Physics and Metaphysics as these subjects were understood by the ancient Greeks. He was not referring to mysticism.
[This is not meant to replace learning the regular curriculum of Torah--the two Talmuds with Tosphot, the Avi Ezri, Rav Haim from Brisk's חידושי הרמב''ם known as the Hidushei Rav Haim]
[Learning Torah I did myself for reasons. It leads to good character traits and fear of God and even eventually to "Devekut." Devekut is attachment with God as is brought in Deuteronomy 30:20. That is the highest goal is to be attached and one with God.]
That is in Shar Yashuv and the Mir I only learned Torah. But eventually I decided that the path of balance was better.--that is Torah with Physics an Math.
So now I want tell people how it is possible to learn Physics even if you do not think you understand.
That is from the Gemara in tractate Avoda Zara ""Always a person ought to be גורס (just say the words and go on.) even though he forgets and even thought he does not know what he is saying.
After one has finished the whole book, then to go back and review. i believe people ought to have two sessions of learning, one in the morning for in depth learning with lots of review. the other in the afternoon for fast learning--saying the words in order and going on. plus listening to classe in each subject from someone that knows it well.
