In the 1960s the space age was in full swing. We took our first steps into outer space and science alerted us to the possibility that we are not alone in the universe. What were the religious and moral implications of this? Building on great Jewish thinkers of yore, Rabbi Norman Lamm wrote a brilliant analysis which we’ll take a look at (and hear the thoughts of other great Jewish thinkers along the way.) As NASA today discovers more worlds that might harbor life, the question of our place in the universe—and who else might share it—gains new urgency and spiritual depth.

Robert Kaiser is a writer and advocate for science education from Boston’s north shore. Talmud, Torah, and pro-Israel activism have long been his passions. He created the Facebook havurah Coffeehouse Torah Talk, and is on the adult education committee of Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott.