What happens when science, religion, and education collide? In this episode, Dr. Rachel Pear shares her remarkable journey from growing up in New York’s modern Orthodox Jewish community to researching how evolution is taught and received across Israeli society.
A scholar of science education and prehistoric archaeology, Rachel discusses how Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities in Israel grapple differently with the question of human origins. Why do some teachers avoid the topic altogether? Why do secular and religious students draw such hard lines around what’s “acceptable” to believe? And how do family, community, and national identity shape scientific acceptance?
Rachel also shares her experience presenting three distinct rabbinic views on evolution in schools, showing students that Jewish thought isn’t monolithic—and that questioning is part of the tradition. She explores the cultural weight of science, the legacy of eugenics, and how educators can create space for real dialogue in science classrooms.
Whether you’re an educator, a religious thinker, or just curious about how evolution meets identity, this episode offers a rich, honest look at a complex conversation that’s still evolving.
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Rachel's Journey 02:49 Exploring Prehistoric Archaeology and Cultural Contexts 05:48 The Intersection of Evolution and Religion 08:48 Cultural Perspectives on Evolution in Israel 11:57 The Role of Education in Science and Religion 14:57 Diverse Views on Evolution in Arab Schools 17:58 The Complexity of Science and Cultural Identity 20:50 Reflections on Science, Culture, and Religion 27:27 Navigating Values in Education 32:20 The Complexity of Teaching Evolution 35:53 Epistemology and the Scientific Method 40:51 Cultural Perspectives on Evolution 45:32 The Intersection of Tradition and Modernity
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