There has been relatively little historical analysis of the life and work of Hayim Zelig Slonimski (1810-1904), the foremost popularizer of the sciences in the Eastern European Jewish Enlightenment movement. Initially inspired by the rationalist trend and discussion of scientific matters in the classical Jewish religious sources, he succeeded in linking these traditionally sanctioned modes of thought to the burgeoning field of nineteenth century science. / Slonimski thought that the dissemination of scientific knowledge among the traditionalist Jewish readership would strengthen their commitment to rationalism and the belief in progress, fundamental principles of liberalism, and thus facilitate the secularization and modernization of Eastern European Jewry. He was eminently successful in his strategy of using the holy tongue, Hebrew, to popularize modern science among his traditional readers. His periodical Ha-Tsefirah (The Herald) represents a significant and unique contribution to the advancement of the Jewish Enlightenment's program among Eastern European Jewry.

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