In Episode 266, I converse with Rabbi Elie Feder PhD and Rabbi Aaron Zimmer, Hosts of Physics to God.
Rabbi Elie Feder earned a PhD in mathematics from the CUNY Graduate Center and received Rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait. Since 2004, Elie has been a mathematics professor at Kingsborough Community College. He has published many papers and delivered numerous talks in graph theory, which is his field of mathematical research. As a teacher, Elie has a passion for simplifying complex topics for his students. Recently, he authored a book "Gematria Refigured," which presents a rational, nonmystical approach to gematria as a tool of uncovering the significance of quantity and fine tuning in Torah, life, and the universe. Elie resides in Far Rockaway, New York, with his wife and their four children.
After earning a physics degree and receiving rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait, Rabbi Aaron Zimmer considered furthering his education through graduate school. However, his intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the realm of physics, encompassing a diverse array of fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and psychology. Capitalizing on his blend of analytical and philosophical skills, Aaron utilized his personal resources to venture into commodity futures trading. This endeavor involved commodities such as oil, natural gas, cotton, sugar, and coffee. His strategic approach was deeply rooted in the conceptual frameworks of physics and the Brisker Method for Talmudic analysis. After an eleven-year career marked by success in commodity trading, Aaron decided to retire. In his retirement, Aaron channels his intellectual energy into studying various branches of knowledge, including the Talmud and physics. He resides in Lawrence, New York, along with his wife and their five children.
We speak about analysis in chess, commodities trading and physics, Talmud,some insights from our 162nd Podcast Guest Rabbi Mark Wildes, Founder of Manhattan Jewish Experience, depth of knowledge, the torah way of life, the interesection of god and science, Richard Feyman's analogy of chess and the laws of physics, chess history, Plunder Chess, the universe and more.
Thank you to our 45th Podcast Guest Zev Gotkin, Founder of Zev Media, for recently introducing me to Rabbi Feder and Rabbi Zimmer and allowing this episode to happen.