NASA Biologist’s Journey to Judaism: A Question for the Lubavitcher Rebbe

What drives a young scientist with a promising future at NASA, among other places, to embrace Judaism from what seems like the most distant place possible? We stumbled upon the intriguing story of Professor Velvl Greene while searching for the terms 'aliens in Judaism' on Google.

So, what does a NASA scientist have to do with life in outer space, you ask? We were equally curious about the topic, just as we began to uncover the connection: Greene was a biologist at the beginning of his career when he was recruited by the space agency for a major project aimed at determining whether there is life on Mars.

What amazed us about his story is that despite being far removed from any Jewish symbol at the time, that did not stop the young scientist from reaching out to none other than the Lubavitcher Rebbe. He asked whether it was appropriate for him, as a Jew, to search for life on Mars.

Not only did the Rabbi's answer arrive promptly, but it also astonished the young scientist: "Dr. Greene, search for life on Mars," the Rebbe wrote to him. "And if you don't find it there, search elsewhere in the universe. For you, sitting here and declaring there is no life outside of Earth would mean limiting the Creator, and no one among the creations can do that."

Thus began a long and steady correspondence between them, with the Rebbe responding extensively and knowledgeably to each of Greene's questions. Eventually, the professor was convinced, drew closer to Judaism, and became a Chabad follower.