Shows
Simply DeepKibud Av Va’eim: In honor of the 12th Yahrtzeit of my mother, Shani Feder A”HThis episode analyzes the basis of the mitzvah of kibud av va’aim and provides a helpful perspective on the mitzvah.
2025-07-1458 min
Philosophical JewEp 6 - Physics, Fine-Tuning & the Fingerprints of God with Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer🎙️What if the very fabric of our universe was whispering something deeper?In this episode of The Philosophical Jew, I sit down with Rabbi Elie Fader and Rabbi Aaron Zimmer—co-hosts of the Physics to God podcast—for a deep and fascinating exploration of the fine-tuning argument for God. This isn’t about plugging gaps in science—it’s about following the evidence wherever it leads.We cover:✅ What physicists mean by “fine-tuning”✅ Why certain constants are shockingly precise✅ How fine-tuning reshapes the debate about God and the multiverse✅ What it all means for science, faith, and our own livesThese Rabbis aren...
2025-06-221h 13
Jewish Insights with Justin PinesPhysics and God- Elie Feder—Jewish Insights with Justin PinesOn the occasion of Tu B’Shvat, the new year for trees, rabbi and mathematician Dr. Elie Feder joins Justin to discuss our relationship with nature, the cosmos and creation. How do recent discoveries in physics shape our understanding of God’s existence, and how is Judaism in conversation with evolution? Rabbi Dr. Elie Feder, received rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yisrael Chait, and a PhD in Mathematics from the CUNY graduate center. He is the author of Gematria Refigured (2022) and Happiness in the Face of Adversity (2024). He is also a co-host of the podcast “Physics to God” and the host of th...
2025-02-1256 min
Intelligent Design the FutureWhy The Multiverse Fails: More With Elie Feder and Aaron ZimmerIf a grand multiverse contains everything that’s possible, it ends up explaining nothing. On this ID The Future, physicist Brian Miller concludes his conversation with mathematician Elie Feder and physicist Aaron Zimmer, hosts of the Physics to God podcast, about their unique formulation of the fine-tuning argument and their rigorous examination of the multiverse hypothesis. In Part 2, Feder and Zimmer explain in detail three premises they use to critically evaluate the strength of multiverse theories. They contend that if a multiverse model posits infinite universes, each with their own different laws of nature, it’s a naive multiverse that hasn...
2025-01-0826 min
Intelligent Design the FutureRejecting the Multiverse: Elie Feder and Aaron ZimmerIt can be tempting to dismiss the idea of the multiverse as unobservable fantasy. But what happens when the available evidence for it is given a fair shake? On this ID The Future, physicist Brian Miller begins a conversation with mathematician Elie Feder and physicist Aaron Zimmer, hosts of the Physics to God podcast, about their unique formulation of the fine-tuning argument and their rigorous examination of the multiverse hypothesis. In Part 1, Feder and Zimmer explain how their podcast got started and what they’ve covered so far. In their first season, they break down the fine-tuning and initial conditions of...
2025-01-0622 min
Jewish Ideas to Change the WorldThe Bridge Between Science and Faith: A Conversation with Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron ZimmerRabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz has a conversation with Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer, hosts of the "Physics to God" podcast. 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, his mathematical research field. As a teacher, Elie has a passion for simplifying complex topics for his students. Recently, he authored a book, “Ge...
2024-10-0123 minSimply DeepThe Mitzvah Chain - Ki SeitzeiRashi (Devarim 22:8) explains the flow of some pesukim in Ki Seitzei based on the principle of mitzvah goreres mitzvah - a mitzvah drags a mitzvah. This episode analyzes this principle. For a shiur I gave on this topic in 2014, see https://ybt.org/audio-recordings.html?page=lecture&shiurID=817450&teacherFullName=Rabbi-E-Feder&shiurTitle=Mitzva-Goreres-Mitzva
2024-09-1321 min
Philosophy and FaithPhysics and God: Exploring the Fine-Tuning Argument with Elie Feder and Aaron ZimmerExploring the Fine-Tuning Argument with Physicists and Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron ZimmerIn this episode of Philosophy and Faith, the hosts welcome Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer, hosts of the podcast Physics to God, to discuss arguments for the existence of God, specifically focusing on the teleological and fine-tuning arguments. Elie, an orthodox rabbi and mathematician, and Aaron, a modern Orthodox rabbi with a background in physics and commodities trading, detail their journeys in faith and academia. They explain the fine-tuning argument, which posits that the constants of nature, such as the fine structure constant...
2024-09-0659 minSimply DeepDon't Judge Your Friend until you Reach his PlaceThis informal discussion took place around the first yahrtzeit of my mother Shani Feder A'H.
2024-08-1623 minSimply DeepBnos Tzlofchod: Shiur in honor of the ninth Yahrtzeit for my mother Shani Feder a’hThis shiur was given in honor of the 9th Yahrtzeit of my mother, Shani Feder a’h. It’s a discussion of the daughters of Tzlofchod and their request to inherit their father’s portion in the land.
2024-07-261h 03Simply DeepTwo Aspects of Nichum Aveilim: A shiur in honor of the 11th Yahrtzeit of my mother, Shani Feder a”hWhat are we trying to accomplish in nichum aveilim? This episode analyzes two strange Gemara stories and a few halachos regarding nichum aveilim to derive two aspects of nichum aveilim, connecting them to my mother’s life.
2024-07-241h 00
Bad JewIs God (Scientifically) Real? with Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Elie FederProbably the most challenging question any religious person could answer from an agnostic person is "Is God Real?" The religious person might say "Of course he is real!" "And how do you know?" "Can't you feel it?" Of course, we all know 'feeling' is not enough.Rabbi Aaron Zimmer and Rabbi Elie Feder produced a podcast called "Physics to God" to go beyond the feeling of God. Using the scientific method along with their understanding of physics and mathematics they are able to quantifiably prove that Hashem made the universe and is indeed the...
2024-06-1934 minSimply DeepHow Is It Possible To Love Your Friend As Yourself?In this shiur, which was given on the 6th Yahrtzeit of my mother Shani Feder AH, we discuss the mitzvah of ואהבת לרעך כמוך, Love your Friend as Yourself. Some questions we take up: Why is it a klal gadol batorah? How is it even possible to love others as yourself?
2024-05-121h 03
Premier Chess: Conquer the Game; Master Your LifeEpisode 266 with Rabbi Elie Feder PhD and Rabbi Aaron Zimmer, Hosts of Physics to GodSend us a textIn 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...
2024-04-011h 01Simply DeepChoni Hameagel’s Seventy Year SlumberThis episode discusses the Gemara in Ta’anis 23a about Choni’s 70 year slumber. It’s advisable to listen to this shiur after the shiur on Choni Hameagel’s Circle - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elie-feder/episodes/Choni-Hameagels-Circle-e2h0gli
2024-03-2738 min
Simply DeepPurim GematriasAfter a brief introuction to gematria, this episode (from a shiur I gave a few years ago and wrote about in my book) discusses two interesting gematrias regarding Purim. The first involves the gematria of Haman's rov banav, many sons, which indicates that he had 208 sons. The second involves the gematria equivalence of hakesef, the money (that Haman offered Acheshverosh to kill the Jews), and ha'etz (the tree the Haman was hanged upon).
2024-03-151h 33Simply DeepGematrias regarding Chet Haegel and Shemen Ha'mishchahThis episode discusses two gematrias. One regarding the amount of gold used in the golden calf and the other regarding the amount of oil in the shemen ha'mishchah, annointing oil.
2024-03-0153 min
Simply DeepOn the Morality of AvdusPeople often attack the Torah as immoral because of its treatment of Avdus, slavery. This episode will discuss the role of avdus in the Torah and will justify its morality.
2023-08-111h 41Simply DeepShiur in honor of the 10th Yahrtzeit of my mother AH, Shani Feder on Hakaras HatovDespite her many years of pain and illnesses, my mother wrote the following before a life-threatening surgery: “As I hope you realize, the point of this all is to simply say, I thank God every day that I am truly blessed with happiness (to be cliche, Yiddishe Nachas). Bumps in the road are just that and make me appreciate what I have more.”
This episode analyzes these moving words by probing the theme of Hakaras Hatov, gratitude.
2023-07-071h 16Simply DeepSpying EyesRashi (Bamidbar 15:38) on Lo Sasuru likens one’s eyes and heart to spies which bring him to aveira. This episode analyzes this analogy to gain insight into avoiding sin.
2023-06-2110 minSimply DeepTzitzis and the Role of DrashAt the very end of Shelach, Rashi brings Rav Moshe Hadarshan who “explains” many details of tzitzis in strange ways. This episodes discusses these drashos with an eye towards understanding the role of drash in general.
2023-06-1615 min
2023-06-161h 56Simply DeepAdam’s Shor and Agadda MethodologyThe Gemara in Chulin 60a discusses strange features of the bull that Adam HaRishon brought as a korban. This episode analyzes this Gemara with an eye towards methodology of interpreting cryptic Aggados.
2023-06-1448 minSimply DeepMoshe Pleading with Yisro to Join UsIn Parshas Behaalosecha (10:29), Moshe pleads with Yisro to join us in entering Eretz Yisrael. This episode analyzes Rashi to reveal the various facets of Moshe’s argument to Yisro.
2023-06-0914 minSimply DeepDegrading the SotahRashi explains many details of the process of the Sotah bringing a Mincha and drinking the water. Many of these involve degrading her in one way or another. This episode discusses these details, deriving pertinent lessons about how we view Sotah, znus, and taamei hamitzvah in general.
2023-06-0743 min
SeforimchatterWith Elie Feder discussing Gematria Refigured - a new look at Gematria and his new book on the topic#203.** To support the podcast or to sponsor an episode: https://seforimchatter.com/support-seforimchatter/ or email nachi@seforimchatter.com**With Elie Feder discussing Gematria Refigured - a new look at Gematria and his new book on the topicWe dicussed how Elie became interested in Gematria, the "classic" perception of Gematria, Rishonim shittos on Gematria, Elie's "theory" of Gematria, various examples of Gematria and Elie's approach, and much more.To purchase, "Gematria Refigured": https://amzn.to/3IW8swrWebiste: Gematriarefigured.comPodcast, “Gematria Refigured+”: https://podcasts.apple.com...
2023-06-041h 15Simply DeepThe Strange Connection Between Matnas Kehuna and SotahWhy does the Torah in this week’s parsha (Naso) juxtapose giving gifts to the kohen and the parsha of Sotah? Rashi (Bamidbar 5:12) says that it’s teaching us that if a man withholds gifts of the kohen, he will eventually need to bring his unfaithful wife to the kohen to drink the Sotah waters.
How in the world does one lead to another? Is this a natural or supernatural correlation? This episode addresses these questions.
2023-06-0211 minSimply DeepJusticeThis episode attempts to gain some insight into the Torah’s perspective on Justice. It does so through analyzing various stories in the Torah through the lens of the Rishonim.
2023-05-301h 34Simply DeepThe Nesiim's Donation, Gematria, and At-bashThis episode discusses the role of gematria and at-bash in understanding the quantities involved in the Nesiim's donations to the Mishkan.
2023-05-291h 02Simply DeepRus as a Model for ConversionIn perhaps the most dramatic part of the book (1:16-17), Rus tells Naomi that she wants to be with her in all facets of her life (and death). While the emphasis seems to be on the person of Naomi, Rashi presents a different picture - one focused on various facets of the Torah life. This episode tries to reconcile these apparently different perspectives on the conversion of Rus and of future converts to Judaism.
2023-05-2436 minSimply DeepComparison of Rebbe to FatherThe Torah (Bamidbar 3:1) introduces the offspring of Moshe and Aharon but then only tells us about the children of Aharon. Rashi says that since Moshe taught them Torah, it’s as if he fathered them. This episode discusses the general theme of the comparison of a Rebbe to a father.
2023-05-1907 minSimply DeepHashem Strolling with us in Gan EdenIn Bechukosai (Vayikra 26:12), the Torah culminates the list of Brachos by saying HaShem will walk with us. Rashi explains that it means that He will stroll with us in Gan Eden like one of us. This episodes tries to explain the meaning of this very difficult metaphor.
2023-05-1732 minSimply DeepA Jew who is sold to slaveryIn Parshas Behar (25:45), the Torah describes the halachos regarding a Jew who is sold to a nonjew. In passing, Rashi infers lessons about how nonjews often learn from Jews, and vice versa. This episode analyzes this tendency and the lessons we can learn from it.
2023-05-1209 minSimply DeepThe MekalelThis episode pieces together different pshatim in Rashi to build a picture of the Mekalel, his background, and his sin.
2023-05-1046 minSimply DeepThe Mekalel’s Critique of the Lechem HapanimOne explanation Rashi gives for the motivation of the mekalel to curse towards HaShem is his question of why the lechem hapanim were only eaten on the ninth day. This episode discusses a possible answer to this question.
2023-05-0507 minSimply DeepVarious Uses of אני ה׳The Torah ends many pesukim with the phrase אני ה׳, I am HaShem. Rashi explains this differently in different places. This episode discusses a few of these (from this parsha - Emor), trying to explain the discrepancies.
2023-05-0343 minSimply DeepThe Torah Talks to your Yetzer HaraThe Torah (Vayikra 19:25) tells us that the mitzva of orlah will lead to your fruits being additionally blessed. Rashi explains that this promise is addressing your evil inclination which will be bothered that you have to work four years for no personal benefit. This episode discusses the message of this Rashi.
2023-04-2809 min
Simply DeepAvodas Yom Ha'kippurim and the Gematria of Be'zosThis episode discusses the claim that the gematria of be'zos in Avodas Yom Ha'kippurim references the 410 years of the first Beis Hamikdash.
2023-04-2845 minSimply DeepMy Mother A”H, Dale Carnegie, and Sever Panim YafosThe Mishna in Avos 1:15 tells us to greet people with a pleasant countenance. This episode explores Rabbeinu Yonah’s interpretation of this Mishna. It also discusses my mother’s advice in this area and Dale Carnegie’s book “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
2023-04-2644 minSimply DeepTwo Rashis in TazriaTazria: (1) vayikra 12:2 - tumah of man follows tumah of animals just like in Creation; (2) vayikra 13:51 - Tzaraas mameres: two facets of Tzaraas
2023-04-1933 minSimply DeepDan Lekaf Zechus and the Middle PathThe Mishna in Avos 1:6 tells us to judge a person favorably. This episode discusses the Rambam’s explanation of this Mishna in which he provides a methodology for judging other people’s actions. It also discusses the relevance of dan lekaf zechus to the Gemara in Shabbos 55b which says that Dovid and Shlomo didn’t sin (in the way that the plain reading of the pesukim imply). Furthermore, this episode discusses the benefits of the middle path and why chassidim diverge from this path slightly towards one side.
2023-04-161h 57Simply DeepAfilu kulanu chachamim…Even before telling us about the basic mitzva of sipur, the hagadah tells us that even the greatest chachamim are obligated in it. This episode explores why.
2023-04-0508 minSimply DeepLashon Hara and the Big ThreeThe Gemara in Arachin 15b says that one who speaks lashon hara, his sins become big like the big three sins (murder, avoda zara, and gilui arayos). It brings support from pesukim which use the world “gadol” in all these instances. This episode analyzes this difficult Gemara, providing new insight about lashon hara and about “The Big Three.”
2023-03-3118 minSimply DeepYachol Mai’Rosh Chodesh…This episode discusses the Yachol Mai’Rosh Chodesh… part of the Pesach Hagadah.
2023-03-3037 minSimply DeepWhy is ha lachma anya in Aramaic?The Avudraham and Ritva explain that ha lachma anya is in Aramaic so that the malachai hasharais (who don’t understand Aramaic) won’t hear us praising ourselves and then argue that we aren’t really fit to be redeemed. This episode addresses many difficulties with this pshat. In doing so, it also explains why we begin maggid with ha lachma anya, a cryptic and seemingly disconnected paragraph.
2023-03-2935 minSimply DeepThe Chatas for the Sin of the TziburThe Torah describes the Chatas for a tzibur who sins by following the incorrect psak of Sanhedrin. Rashi deduces from the passuk that such a sin somehow undermines the kedushas hamikdash. This episode analyzes this Rashi through looking carefully at the mashal he brings.
2023-03-2411 minSimply DeepThe Chatas of the Kohen Gadol and of the NasiRashi tells us that when the Kohen Gadol sins - even accidentally -it is bad for the nation. On the other hand, when the king sins and seeks atonement for the sin, it is good fortune for the nation. This episode tries to explain the reason for the discrepancy between these two people.
2023-03-2113 min2023-03-2130 min
2023-03-1733 minSimply DeepMishkan Ha’eidusIn 38:21, Rashi says that the Mishkan is called the Mishkan Ha’eidus because it is a testimony to the fact that HaShem overlooked the chet ha’eigel. This episode discusses the significance of this testimony.
2023-03-1707 min2023-03-1439 minSimply DeepTwo Equal LuchosThe Torah (Shmos 31:18) tells us about the Luchos but describes the two of the them by writing the word לחת, which appears to be singular. Rashi says that this teaches that the two Luchos are equal. This episode probes the meaning of this Rashi by analyzing the significance of the two Luchos.
2023-03-1012 min2023-03-101h 36Simply DeepEulogy for the Yetzer HaraThe Gemara in Sukkah 52a tells us that at the end of days, Hashem will slaughter the yetzer hara and show tzadikim and reshaim its true nature - this will lead to both groups eulogizing it. This episode analyzes this strange gemara.
2023-03-101h 01Simply DeepSeven Names of the Yetzer Hara #1The Gemara in Sukkah 52a says that the yetzer hara is called by seven names. This episode analyzes the first few of them.
2023-03-0936 minSimply DeepPurim Episode: Arrur Haman and Baruch MordechaiWe all know that we are obligated to drink until we can’t differentiate between Arrur Haman and Baruch Mordechai. Why is this the amount? On a different note, Rashi (5:13) says that what really enraged Haman was that Mordechai showed him a contract in which Haman sold himself to Mordechai as a slave. It sounds hard to understand why Mordechai would make such a move. This episode discusses these two points and develops a new perspective on the celebration of Purim.
2023-03-0723 minSimply DeepEsther Wore Ruach HakodeshThe megilla (5:1) tells us that Esther wore malchus when she entered the king’s chamber. Rashi says that while plain pshat is that she wore bigdei malchus, the drasha is that she wore ruach hakodesh. This episode explores the meaning of this statement.
2023-03-0310 minSimply DeepHints of Salvation to Mordechai and DovidRashi (Esther 2:11) tells us that Mordechai and Dovid were shown hints of future salvation. He uses this to explain why Mordechai went to check on Esther daily. This episode discusses the significance of these hints.
2023-03-0138 minSimply DeepTrees in the DesertThe beams of the Mishkan were made from atzei shittim. Where did they get this wood on the desert? Rashi (Shmos 25:5 and 26:15) tells us that Yaakov Avinu planted trees in Egypt in preparation for the wood of the Mishkan. This episode draws two lessons from this claim.
2023-02-2406 minSimply DeepMy Mother A”H and Sameach Be’chelkoDespite my mother’s many illnesses, she was very happy with her portion in life. This episode discusses this midda and how one can try to attain it. It also discusses: Abraham’s lack of realization of Sarah’s beauty, the paradox of humility of great people, and the prohibition of coveting.
2023-02-2241 minSimply DeepThe Extreme Punishment for Oppressing Widows and OrphansShmos 22:21-23 tells us that one who oppresses a widow or orphan will be killed with a sword, making his wife and children into widows and orphans. Rashi adds that they will be permanently so. In this episode, Ezra discusses the justice of such extreme punishments.
2023-02-2029 minSimply DeepReward to Dogs?Rashi in Shmos 22:30 tells us that dogs are given tereifos as a reward that they didn’t bark at the Jews on the night of Makas Bechoros. Rashi says that this demonstrates that HaShem doesn’t withhold reward from any creature. This episode discusses how it’s possible to apply reward to an animal who has no free will and how this can be used as a lesson to HaShem’s reward in general.
2023-02-1908 minSimply DeepTereifa, Kedusha, and Being “To God”Rashi (Shmos 22:30) tells us that if we are kadosh by abstaining from eating neveilos and tereifos, then we are “to God.” If not, not. This episode discusses this meaning of this puzzling statement.
2023-02-1708 minSimply DeepRifidim, Amaleik, and SinaiRashi in Shmos 19:2 teaches that just as the Jews were in a state of teshuva at Sinai, they did teshuva before they left Rifidim. What is the significance of this seemingly trivial detail? To understand this Rashi, this episode traces the events of Refidim to learn important and surprising lessons about the (continuous) battle against Amaleik.
2023-02-1543 minSimply DeepMoshe’s StickJon K asked: In Shmos 17:5, Rashi says Hashem specifically told Moshe to use his staff for the water in the rock to show it could also do good things. Wouldn't that further make people believe that the staff had powers in of itself? After learning with area with my son Ezra, he recorded our answer.
2023-02-1306 minSimply DeepThe Talking BoundaryRashi (19:12) says that the boundary around Har Sinai said, “Guard yourself from ascending beyond this point.” This episode analyzes this puzzling Rashi and discusses various points regarding keeping the people away from Har Sinai.
2023-02-1017 minSimply DeepForcing the Jews to Leave Yam SufAfter the splitting of the sea, Rashi (Shmos 15:22) tells us that the Jews got even more gold and silver from the sea than they had previously gotten from the Egyptians. Nevertheless, Moshe forced the Jews to prematurely travel away from the sea. This episode analyzes the significance of getting this great wealth and of leaving some of it behind.
2023-02-0839 minSimply Deep40 years of MunThe Torah (Shmos 16:35) tells us that the Jews ate the mun for 40 years - until they entered Eretz Kenaan. Rashi explains that these 40 years weren’t all the same…This episode explores the import of this Rashi in the context of the overall purpose of the mun.
2023-02-0511 min
Simply DeepBaruch Dayan Ha’emesThe Rambam in Brachos 10:3 (based upon a Gemara in Brachos 60a) says that we are obligated to say a bracha of Baruch Dayan Ha’emes on bad news in a state of simcha. This episode discusses how this is possible. Furthermore, it touches upon the idea of Gam zu le’tovah and “All that HaShem does is for the good.” Also discussed are some ideas on Brachos and on Hashem’s Justice.
2023-02-031h 36Simply DeepLeil ShimurimIn Shmos 12:42, the Torah tells us twice that the night of Pesach is guarded. Rashi interprets them to mean (1) HaShem guarded the night and waited for it to come in order to fulfill His promise to Avraham to redeem us on this night; and (2) it’s guarded to protect us (for all generations) from mazakim, just like the Jews in Egypt were guarded from the mashchis. As these enigmatic claims raise numerous difficulties, this episode analyzes both of these facets of Leil Shimurim. It also discusses the Ibn Ezra’s interpretation of this passuk.
2023-02-0136 minSimply DeepChoosing soldiers to fight AmaleikAt the end of Bishalach (17:9), Moshe instructs Yehoshua to choose men to fight against Amaleik. Rashi explains that these men had to (a) be strong; (b) fear sin; (c) know how to nullify witchcraft. This episode (which was part of a shiur given a few years ago) analyzes these three criteria.
2023-01-2917 minSimply DeepWhy Choshech?Rashi (10:22) gives two reasons the Makah of Choshech. This episode raises a few problems on these reasons. Answering these questions reveals new insight into this makah and into the steps needed to enable yitzias mitzrayim.
2023-01-2723 minSimply DeepMy Mother A”H and EmunaWhat is the place of emuna, trust in HaShem, in a Torah life?
In a letter my mother A”H wrote before a potentially life-ending surgery, she wrote, “Enjoy and cherish every day- don’t worry so much about tomorrow - on what might or might not happen. Do the best you can - but-- if you focus your worry on tomorrow - it makes you lose today AND tomorrow-- If something bad is going to happen it will happen you won’t be able to deny it- at least you have today and so many wonderful things happen in today.”
...
2023-01-2550 minSimply DeepStrange Midrashim about FrogsWhen the Torah describes the plague of frogs, we find two strange Rashis: 1) in 7:29, he says that the frogs went into the Egyptians’ bellies and croaked. 2) in 8:2, he says that it started with one frog, which continued to multiply as they hit it. Are these meant to be literal? This episode tries to: explain these midrashim, look more closely at the pesukim themselves, and get some deeper insights into this plague.
2023-01-2218 min
Simply DeepConversations with the Malach Ha'mavesThe Gemara in Chagiga 4b recounts some of Rav Bibi’s conversations with the Malach Ha'maves. This episode develops the idea that these conversations are a parable for Rav Bibi working through the area of justice in the context of a well-known story about the death of Mary. In the course of the discussion, this episode also discusses the idea of Mazal (the topic/title of an earlier podcast episode).
2023-01-201h 35Simply DeepMoshe and Bas PharoahIn Shemos 2:5-10, the Torah tells us about the daughter of Pharoah saving Moshe and deciding to keep him alive. Rashi, midrashim, and the Gemara in Sotah 12b provide some more details about what caused her to let Moshe live. This episode discusses these sources as well as the famous midrash about Moshe burning his tongue on the coals.
2023-01-1841 minSimply DeepRafi’s question: Why doesn’t the Torah tell us the name of Bas Pharoah?Rafi noticed that the Torah calls her Bas Pharoah five times without telling us her name. This episode suggests a possible explanation for this omission.
2023-01-1507 min
Simply DeepTwo Types of Avoda ZaraWhat is the Torah’s outlook on avoda zara and why is it so bad? By discovering two different types of avoda zara, this episode tries to deal with these questions.
2023-01-151h 16Simply DeepMoshe’s Early DaysThe Torah (Shmos 2:11-15) describes Moshe’s initial entrance into Egyptian society. While the pshat describes a basic story of Moshe killing the Egyptian, Rashi adds many details to the story. This episode analyzes these details and shows how the midrashim provide a deeper insight into Moshe’s personality.
2023-01-1319 minSimply DeepThe Prophecy of the Daughter of PharaohRashi in Shmos 2:9 teaches that the daughter of Pharaoh unknowingly conveyed a prophecy when she told Yocheved, “take your own son”. This episode analyzes this enigmatic Rashi.
2023-01-101h 01Simply DeepIf Shechem is a bad place, why give it to Yosef?This episode deals with Ayala Cohen’s question on the episode about Shechem being a bad place.
2023-01-0916 min
Simply DeepThe Ikkar of Yemos HamoshiachThis episode discusses the significance of the Rambam’s 12th Ikkar: Yemos Hamoshiach. By analyzing the text of the Rambam, we discover new insights into this fundamental principle.
2023-01-091h 34Simply DeepHashem’s Prevention of Yaakov from Revealing the End of DaysIn Parshas Vayechi, Yaakov wanted to tell his children about the of days, but HaShem prevented him. This episode takes up why he wanted to tell and why Hashem prevented him?
2023-01-0711 minSimply DeepThe Greatness of YosefAt the end of Vayigash, the Torah tells us how Yosef managed the land of Egypt during the years of famine. Among other things, he moved all Egyptians from city to city. Rashi (47:21) says that this illustrates the greatness of Yosef - for his intent was to prevent his brothers from being called ‘exiles’. This episode raises a few questions on this interpretation. The answers reveal a deeper insight into the greatness of Yosef.
2023-01-0519 minSimply DeepWhat is ayin hara and how can we avoid it?Ayin hara is often viewed as a mystical power to harm other people. This episode analyzes various Torah sources regarding ayin hara to derive a different approach. Based upon this explanation, we discover three ways to avoid the negative effects of ayin hara.
This episode was given as a shiur for the first yahrtzeit of my mother, Shani Feder AH.
2023-01-0352 minSimply DeepHakaras HatovI was asked a practical question about the appropriateness of hakaras hatov to someone who helps you and subsequently harms you. To answer this question, this episode probes various sources to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of hakaras hatov.
2022-12-2850 minSimply DeepChanukah and Midrashic Miracles for Yaakov AvinuWhile the pshat of the Torah has no open miracles to Yaakov Avinu, the midrashim (cited by Rashi) have many. This epsiode considers five of these midrashic miracles in light of their absence from the pshat. It provides an explanation for why the midrash "invents" these miracles and simultaneously explains why the Chanuka miracle was needed.
2022-12-261h 40Simply DeepJon’s question: Attack on Dinah as a Punishment for Yaakov's Delay of his NederJon asked me a follow-up question on my shiur on Yaakov’s Neder. Rashi (35:1) says that Dinah was attacked as a punishment for Yaakov's delay of his neder. Why would Yaakov delay and why is this a just punishment?
2022-12-2510 minSimply DeepYaakov's NederAt the beginning of Va’yetzei, HaShem promised Yaakov to take care of him etc. Yaakov then vows that if HaShem takes care of him, then he’ll set up a place of worship to HaShem and give maaser. Given that HaShem just promised this, what is the function of the neder? This episode addresses this question.
2022-12-2537 minSimply DeepShechem: A Bad PlaceIn Breishis 37:14, Rashi says that Shechem is a place which is prepared for bad (puranus) because of the three bad events which occurred there. In this episode, we present an explanation for Rashi’s seemingly strange claim.
2022-12-2249 min
Simply DeepMiracles Or Metaphors: A Methodology For Interpreting Miracle Stories In The GemaraWhen encountering miracle stories in the Gemara, we can’t help but wonder whether or not these are meant to be taken literally. Based upon the ideas developed in the episode “Chanukah: The End of all Miracles,” this episode develops a methodology for answering this question, and provide examples for employing this methodology.
2022-12-191h 47
Simply DeepChanukah: The End of All MiraclesThe Gemara in Yomah 29a says that the Chanukah miracle marks the End of all Miracles. To understand this claim and to gain insight into why there are no miracles today, this episode delves into the Torah’s unique perspective of miracles and how we should relate to them.
2022-12-191h 15
Simply DeepTorah and EvolutionPeople often struggle with balancing their commitment to Torah on the one hand and their commitment to modern science (which embraces evolution) on the other hand. This episode provides a methodology (which is rooted in Torah sources) for approaching and resolving potential conflicts between these two sources of knowledge.
2022-12-181h 50
Simply DeepWas Rivka Really 3 Years Old?Many people have problem with the midrash which teaches that Rivka was 3 years old when she married Yitzchak. Are we supposed to take this literally? If not, what is the midrash trying to teach us? This episode will decode this enigmatic midrash while simultaneously presenting an approach towards understanding midrashim in general.
2022-12-181h 32
Simply DeepGematria 4: Reverse Gematria of 318 = EliezerThis episode is the fourth of the original four part series of shiurim developing a theory for explaining Chazal's usage of gematria. It discusses the usage of a reverse gematria which suggests that Avraham's 318 men are Eliezer alone.
2022-12-111h 00
Simply DeepGematria 3: Im Lavan GartiThis episode is the third of the original four part series of shiurim developing a theory for explaining Chazal's usage of gematria. It discusses the usage of gematria regarding Yaakov's claim to Eisav that Im Lavan Garti v'taryag mitzvos shamarti, I lived with Lavan and guarded the 613 mitzvos.
2022-12-1154 min
Simply DeepGematria 2: Mitzvos, Nazir, and Fine TuningThis episode is the second of the original four part series of shiurim developing a theory for explaining Chazal's usage of gematria. It discusses the usage of gematria regarding the 613 Mitzvos and the 30 days of Nazir. Interestingly enough, it also connects gematria with fine tuning.
2022-12-1153 min
Simply DeepGematria 1 - Introduction: Abraham and "Everything"The book Gematria Refigured is based upon ideas developed in a series of shiurim given in 2017. This episode presents the first gematria which was the foundation for the book's theory of explaining gematrias. It deals with Hashem's blessing Avraham "bakol, with everything."
2022-12-1146 min