Encased in protective white overalls from head to foot I felt like an astronaut about to enter space. But the world I was about to enter — the “clean room” in the laboratories of Jerusalem College of Technology’s Micro-Nano-Technology Center on the Machon Lev campus — is just as awe-inspiring. In this room is the research center’s most precious resource: nanoparticles which measure just a millionth of a millimeter and are the building blocks of nanotechnology. And the space suit? Not to protect me but rather to protect the nanoparticles.

Because they are so tiny the air has to be kept absolutely clean to ensure the nanoparticles are not damaged. Rabbi Dr. Avi Karsenty senior lecturer and researcher at the Micro-Nano-TechnologyCenter who was conducting Mishpacha’s tour of the laboratories put it rather well: “For a nanoparticle being hit by a grain of dust is like having a huge concrete block smashed over your head.”

I had arrived at the laboratories as part of my quest to explore and understand the rapidly developing and fantastically exciting world of nanotechnology. My guide Rabbi Dr. Karsenty is both a rabbi and scientist. His rabbinical responsibilities include serving as rav of a kehillah and beis medrash in Jerusalem for over ten years where he gives many shiurim. His scientific credentials include a double PhD in Applied Physics and 22 years working in micro- and nano-electronics at high-tech corporations including 16 years at Intel. He joined JCT in 2011. It is a college he said where he can identify with its values — Torah and science in that order.