Pnimiyus Vs. Chitzoniyus

The Greeks were scientists. Science is called chochma chitzonis - external wisdom. The reason it described that way is because science only defines what is happening in the material universe. What is the inner source of this materialistic existence? The spirit. Or better, the Spirit of Hashem. That is the pnimiyus - the depth of everything we see. There is a bracha one makes when he sees a great scholar of chochma chitzonis but this bracha is not said [according to many] upon seeing a Jewish scholar of chochma chitzonis. This is because he could have used his towering intellect to study the pnimiyus of the world in Torah and instead used it to explore material phenomena which is considered a certain failing. So Einstein - no, Isaac Newton [despite his very Jewish sounding first name he wasn't Jewish] - yes.

Science also studies what MUST be, the world of הכרח. The laws of nature are constant and unchanging. Torah examines the world on a higher level - the level of choice. Choice is the pendulum upon which all of our existence swings. Good or evil, life or death.

Also, when we study Torah there are rarely absolutes - things can be understood in countless different ways. In science and math "it is what it is". There is no "svara" that 2 plus 2 will be five. When learning Torah we essentially becomes G-d's partner by adding our own personal input to the text being studied.

Many scientists believed that man is a pre-programmed robot and doesn't really exercise free choice. The Torah is vehemently opposed to this notion. We can choose and we must choose.

On Chanuka we appreciate the importance of choosing good and adding our personal touch and approach to the eternal Torah of Hashem.

[Based in part on ideas culled from Maran HaRav Hutner]