Lecture with a Secret Agenda

By Dovid Zaklikowski for COLlive and Hasidic Archives

Professor Velvl Greene was a microbiologist working for NASA when he began a lengthy correspondence with the Rebbe in the early 1960s. They developed a close relationship, and Professor Greene employed his knowledge and professional credentials at the Rebbe’s behest on many occasions.

A serious scholar, Professor Greene delved into Jewish textual study. Eventually, he would lecture around the world, telling audiences unapologetically that science and Judaism are completely compatible.

In 1982, Communist Party General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev was continuing to expand the Soviet army, and analysts were predicting that the Cold War would continue indefinitely. Chief among the Communists’ goals was the obliteration of Jewish life, particularly among the youth. Under the Rebbe’s guidance, however, a clandestine Chabad network offered Jews of all ages the opportunity to practice Judaism in secret.

Word reached the Rebbe that three professors had joined secret Torah classes taught by Chabad rabbis and that they had questions about contradictions between Judaism and science.

The Rebbe had an aide contact Professor Greene and ask if the professor could arrange an invitation to be a visiting lecturer in the Soviet Union. “The Rebbe wants you to travel to Russia to speak to them,” the aide told him, referring to the professors.

The details were arranged with the Soviets, Chabad headquarters sponsored the trip, and Chabad rabbis in London packed Professor Greene’s bags with Jewish ritual items, Jewish books and kosher food.

Once there, the professor spent several days with the scientists discussing and resolving their questions.

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