Feb 09 2025 55 mins
In this episode of Crossing Faiths, Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Eli Feder discuss their endeavor to explore the relationship between science and religion, specifically focusing on using physics to argue for the existence of God. Motivated by a desire to reconcile modern scientific understanding with religious belief, they challenge the notion that science and faith are incompatible. The rabbis introduce the concept of "fine-tuning" in physics, arguing that the precise mathematical constants governing the universe suggest an intelligent designer rather than random chance. They critically examine the multiverse theory as an alternative explanation, presenting it as a less plausible scientific hypothesis. Drawing on their backgrounds in Talmudic study and scientific research, Zimmer and Feder aim to provide a rigorous, accessible argument for God's existence by demonstrating the improbability of our universe's precise conditions arising by accident. Their approach combines deep scientific analysis with the ability to communicate complex ideas in understandable terms, ultimately seeking to offer people a rational framework for understanding faith in the modern world.
Elie Feder earned a PhD in mathematics from the CUNY Graduate Center and received Rabbinic ordination from his rebbe, Rabbi Yisrael Chait. Since 2004, Elie has been a mathematics professor at Kingsborough Community College and a maggid shiur at Yeshiva Bnei Torah. He has published many papers and delivered numerous talks on 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 hosts the Gematria Refigured+ and the Physics to God podcasts. He resides in Far Rockaway, New York, with his wife and their four children.
After earning a physics degree and receiving rabbinical ordination from his rebbe, Rabbi Yisrael Chait, 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 intricate 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, philosophy, and physics. He co-hosts the Physics to God podcast and resides in Lawrence, New York, along with his wife and their five children.
Youtube channel: @PhysicsToGod
https://www.physicstogod.com
https://www.physicstogod.com/3-proofs-of-god-from-science