Unlocking the Neuroscience of Torah Study
Exploring the brain and body signatures of Torah study
Unlocking the Neuroscience of Torah Study
Exploring the brain and body signatures of Torah study
About the Torah and Neuroscience Initiative (TANI)
Our Vision
Our research initiative will identify the body and brain signatures of Torah learning which is the study of religious texts as a spiritual practice. This project will be the first large-scale neuroscientific study of Torah learning, seeking to uncover the unique experiential, biological, and brain correlates of this core Jewish practice.
Social Networks in Torah Study
Our study will have a particular focus on the science of social interactions that are a key feature of chavrutah learning which is dyadic Torah study with a partner.
When two people discuss words of Torah, the Divine Presence resides among them. (Avot 3:2)
Our Team
Isaiah Kletenik, MD
David Silbersweig, MD
David Silbersweig, MD
The Torah and Neuroscience Initiative (TANI) is led by Isaiah Kletenik, MD, a cognitive neurologist and neuroscientist with expertise in network neuroimaging and brain-behavior relationships.
David Silbersweig, MD
David Silbersweig, MD
David Silbersweig, MD
A world-leading expert in functional neuroimaging and the neuroscience of spirituality.
Michael Ferguson, PhD
David Silbersweig, MD
Michael Ferguson, PhD
A neuroscientist and pioneer in the field of neurospirituality.
Pesha Kletenik, EdD
David Silbersweig, MD
Michael Ferguson, PhD
An expert in learning who specializes in Jewish education, psychometrics and educational psychology.