Reclaiming a Place in the Natural Sciences

In Elim, Rav Yosef Shlomo explains why the Jewish people took little part in the scientific revolution of his day. In his view, the Ashkenazim were interested exclusively in the study of Gemara, while the Sefardim and the Karaites turned more to natural philosophy and philosophy in general. He called on the Jewish people to reclaim their former prominence in philosophy, and to take their place among the surrounding nations through the exploration of the natural sciences.