Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman
Founder of Sinai and Synapses

A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?

Rabbi Geoffrey A. Mitelman's work exemplifies the spirit of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award. His unwavering dedication to fostering understanding between science and religion, particularly within the Jewish space, is a testament to his bridge-building mindset. His founding and leadership of Sinai and Synapses stands as one of his most (if not his most) profound testament to his commitment.
Sinai and Synapses has led numerous initiatives, such as Scientists in Synagogues and the Sinai and Synapses Fellowship, which foster dialogue across religious, scientific, and cultural divides. Scientists in Synagogues, for example, saw an extraordinary 36,900% increase in engagement from 2022 to 2024, accumulating a total of 16,700 engagements. Notably, a majority of this engagement came from non-followers, indicating growing interest beyond established audiences.

Rabbi Mitelman’s initiatives engage diverse age groups, particularly individuals in the 35-44 and 65+ brackets, highlighting his ability to resonate with different generations. His content reaches target hubs across the U.S., with social media campaigns that have demonstrated 308% growth in reach and 274% growth in engagement on social media this past year. His leadership, through both in-person events and online resources, has ensured that these critical conversations continue to grow and reach broader audiences.
Rabbi Mitelman's active pursuit of partnerships and collaborations amplifies the impact of his work. By joining forces with like-minded organizations (e.g. the newest project he has a hand in is a podcast about technology and religion!) and individuals, he creates a network of support that strengthens and expands the bridge between science and religion.

B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?

Rabbi Mitelman’s leadership in founding Sinai and Synapses is an exemplary model of bridging divides, blending disciplines where few have dared to venture. His ability to create spaces for meaningful dialogue between Jewish thought and science is groundbreaking. As a leader and mentor, Rabbi Mitelman exemplifies kindness and thoughtfulness. His careful choice of words ensures that his communication not only avoids offense but also actively adds value and moves the conversation forward. This thoughtful approach creates a safe and inclusive space for dialogue, fostering a sense of trust and respect among those he leads and collaborates with.
Through Sinai and Synapses, he has mentored synagogue leaders, scientists, and educators, encouraging them to collaborate on interdisciplinary discussions. His leadership fosters trust and inclusivity, encouraging participants to engage in complex dialogues. For example, the Sinai and Synapses Fellowship has expanded interdisciplinary engagement, building a network of support between Jewish communities and scientific minds across the U.S.

Rabbi Mitelman has received significant recognition, including fellowships such as Rabbis Without Borders and the Balfour Brickner Rabbinic Fellowship, which underscore the impact and reach of his work. His dedication to inclusivity is evident in the success of programs like Scientists in Synagogues, the Sinai and Synapses Fellowship, the Sacred Science Podcast and more, which have garnered over 500,000+ views on social media since the programs’ inception. His work is not only valued within the Jewish community but is seen as contributing to a broader conversation about the relationship between science and religion.

C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?

Rabbi Mitelman’s impact extends well beyond the Jewish community. Through Sinai and Synapses, he has provided a platform for Jews and non-Jews alike to explore the intersection of religion and science. His work empowers individuals to reconcile their spiritual beliefs with their intellectual curiosity, fostering a deeper sense of wholeness and integration.

Between 2022 and 2024, Sinai and Synapses’ social media presence alone saw impressive growth: a 100% increase in Instagram engagement, a 1,200% rise in reach outside of his projects’ social media following, and a 19.81% increase in followers. These figures highlight the resonance of the program’s message and its ability to engage and inspire a broad audience.

In addition to his leadership work, Rabbi Mitelman has contributed a wealth of written material on various platforms, further amplifying his impact. He has published articles on The Wisdom Daily, AI and Faith, Science & Religion: Exploring the Spectrum, and My Jewish Learning. Through these publications, he has shared insights on the relationship between science, faith, and Jewish thought, offering thought-provoking content to a global audience. Some of his notable works include:

  • The Wisdom Daily

  • AI and Faith

  • Science & Religion: Exploring the Spectrum

  • My Jewish Learning

  • Sinai and Synapses

    Looking ahead to 2025, the Scientists in Synagogues program is poised to deepen its interdisciplinary dialogue, with synagogue leaders and scientists collaborating to inspire new approaches to integrating Jewish thought and scientific inquiry. The ongoing support for these programs ensures their sustainability and continued influence, connecting diverse communities through shared exploration.

    Rabbi Mitelman’s work fosters not only a vibrant community but also an enduring legacy of curiosity, understanding, and mutual respect—qualities that will shape the Jewish community and beyond for years to come.