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Moses Maimonides 1135 - 1204 Moses Maimonides was born in Cordoba, Spain in 1135, the son of Jewish parents. • Cordoba and Maimonides • Cordoba, although under Muslim rule, boasted a large proportion of Jews who were regarded as second class citizens. The Muslim population were tolerant of the Jews and they enjoyed a somewhat peaceful existence. In addition, the focus on learning, science, philosophy, medicine and mathematics opened a window of opportunity for the population. • However, this was to be useful to Maimonides as it provided a learning system deeply influenced by Greek philosophy. Being a “Sephardi” (Spanish) Jew meant that his knowledge was based on the Torah with an emphasis on science and philosophy as an important part on of his education. Walls the periphery of the Jewish Quarter in Roman Bridge in Cordoba Cordoba The Mosque and the Cathedral in Cordoba Maimonides – influenced by Greek philosophy • In Maimonides time, the Greek philosophical revival was due to Muslim philosophers, Ibn Senna otherwise known as Avicenna and Ibn Rushd known as Averroes. Their philosophy was based largely on the teachings of Aristotle. This study in philosophy as well as the sciences was to dominate Maimonides’ life and contribute to his great works both in Medicine and Judaism. Socrates Plato Aristotle Avicenna ( Ibn Senna) Maimonides moves to Egypt • Because of persecution by a fanatical Almohades sect of Muslims, His family had to move to Egypt. • He had been well schooled in the Torah and Talmud by his father, a renowned Rabbi and scholar. • It was in Egypt that Maimonides completed his famous works and become the notable leader of the Jewish community. Here is the synagogue in which he worshipped. Rambam’s synagogue in Egypt Physician to the Great Saladin, a Muslim leader While in Egypt, Maimonides became influential and after the death of his Father, he became the leader of the Jewish community. His previous training and learning had assisted him to rise to the position of Chief Rabbi of Egypt. Saladin Maimonides the doctor Court of Saladin Maimonides Works • Maimonides was a prolific writer but his 3 greatest works were: • Commentary on the Mishnah (in Arabic) • Mishnah Torah ( Codified Jewish law ( in Hebrew) • Guide for the perplexed ( in Arabic) Ramban (Title given to Maimonides) • Acknowledgment of his great works in Judaism earned Maimonides the title, Rambam. i.e. from Moses to Moses, there is none like Moses. • He is still remembered today in Jewish communities Maimonides the Talmudist • Maimonides was known for his great knowledge of Scripture and was often called upon for his advice regarding Halakhic passages. He was an expert on Jewish law. Talmud Effect of Maimonides works. • The Commentary on the Mishnah allowed Jews to see the links between the Torah and the practice of the Covenant. i.e. it enlightened the Jews in their faith. • 13 Principles of Faith – form the basis of Jewish creed and also of the Shulchan Aruch, the authoritive code of Rabbi Yosef Karo in 16th century. • • • • • • • • • • • • • 13 Principles of Faith The 13 Principles of Faith are as follows: I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is the Creator and Guide of all the created beings, and that He alone has made, does make, and will make all things. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is One and Alone; that there is no oneness in any way like Him; and that He alone is our G-d - was, is and will be. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is incorporeal; that He is free from all anthropomorphic properties; and that He has no likeness at all. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is the first and the last. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is the only one to whom it is proper to pray, and that it is inappropriate to pray to anyone else. I believe with complete faith that all the words of the Prophets are true. I believe with complete faith that the prophecy of Moses our teacher, peace unto him, was true; and that he was the father of the prophets, both of those who preceded and of those who followed him. I believe with complete faith that the whole Torah which we now possess was given to Moses, our teacher, peace unto him. I believe with complete faith that this Torah will not be changed, and that there will be no other Torah given by the Creator, blessed be His name. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, knows all the deeds and thoughts of human beings, as it is said "It is He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who perceives all their actions". (Psalm 33:15) I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, rewards those who observe His commandments, and punishes those who transgress His commandments. I believe with complete faith in the coming of Mashiach (messiah), and although he may tarry, nevertheless, I wait every day for him to come. Sefer Hamitzvot Book of the Commandments • Really is an introduction to the Mishnah Torah. • The 613 Mitzvot are presented as positive and negative mitzvot. • By codifying the Mitzvot, Maimonides helps Jews to deeply understand the significance of the commandments of the Covenant. Maimonides’ greatest work – The Mishnah Torah • This collection of 14 books provided a code of Jewish law. This meant that ordinary Jews could understand Jewish law more simply. This book provided a comprehensive guide to Jewish Law without having to spend many hours studying the Talmud. Maimonides and Philosophy • In his book, the guide for the perplexed, Maimonides was able to show that philosophy helped Jews to better understand their faith through philosophical concepts, thus countering the skepticism that philosophy and faith did not mix. In effect, he synthesised philosophy and theology superbly in his “Guide for the Perplexed” Significance of Maimonides • Judaism values his contribution immensely because he helped Jews to understand with clarity, their covenant and commitment and this strengthened Jewish communities everywhere. • Reconciled philosophy and theology • His 13 Principles of faith form the basis of the Jewish creed. Impact on Judaism • His works stand today as firmly as they did in his time, a testament to his impeccable knowledge and deep insight into Judaism and are still revered in Judaism as significant to the study of Judaism. • Maimonides’ knowledge of Judaic law still challenges modern Judaism. Analysis of Impact continued • In Talmud and Midrash, Jews look to Maimonides’ codes to arrive at legal principles and decisions. • His contribution to Jewish philosophy places him incontestably as the greatest medieval philosopher. Analysis of Impact continued • He was respected by Jews, Muslims and Christians and still is. • His work contributed to Jewish exegesis and hermeneutics. • He took Rabbinic learning to new heights and is still held in high esteem today. • He exerted considerable influence on Jewish thought from medieval times to the present. The tomb of Maimonides in Tiberius- a holy place for Jews, still.