In a moment we shall chant the kedushah. It contains biblical texts describing hosts of angels singing God's praises, a ritual that we parallel here on earth. What is an angel? Perhaps it is a being that, knowing God's thoughts, acts as a Divine messenger. Who in modern times knows the Mind of the Creator? One possible answer: those who search deeply into the mind of the Creature created in God's image. Pat Goldman-Rakic was one of those searchers. Using an array of new techniques pioneered in several scientific disciplines, she discovered and described the exquisite order and structure of the frontal lobes of the brain, the portion of the brain which is responsible for the highest level of cognitive functions, revolutionizing the scientific understanding of normal brain functioning, mental illness and the short and long-term effects of psychoactive medications and substances on memory and behavior. Her work has brought new hope to scientists who are trying to understand the human brain, probably the most complex and amazing structure in the universe. With that understanding we may dare to hope one day to prevent or cure schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and attention deficit disorders. And she was a wonderful, caring mentor to the upcoming generation of neuroscientists, some of whom she gathered around her and led at the Yale's Medical School. She understood the human brain better than anyone else in our time, and that means in the whole of human history. Her knowledgeable colleagues fully expected that she would soon receive a Nobel Prize.
Tragically, at the height of her powers, and while leading a
world renowned team of researchers, she was struck down by an
automobile and died last week. The spirit of one of God's angels has
returned to God who gave it, an incomparable gift to God's creatures.
When we join in the Kedushah let us praise God for sending us a woman
of such great gifts and profound dedication to open our minds to God's
work and to ease our suffering.
Rabbi George Driesen