Maimonides--Essential Teachings on Jewish Faith and Ethics

by Angel, Marc D.

• ISBN13: 9781594733116
• ISBN10: 1594733112
• Edition: Annotated
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-12-05
• Publisher: Skylight Paths Pub

Summary

Moses Maimonides (1138¿1204) is Jewish history¿s greatest exponent of a rational, philosophically based Judaism. He opened his classic code of Jewish Law, the Mishneh Torah, with the ¿Book of Knowledge,¿ providing the essential teachings of Jewish faith and ethics. His ¿Thirteen Principles of Faith,¿ included in his commentary on the Mishnah, have become cornerstones in Jewish theology. In this book, Rabbi Marc Angel provides a lucid English translation of Maimonides¿ key teachings on Jewish faith and ethics, as well as an informative commentary that brings his wisdom to life. Readers will confront Maimonides¿ views on the nature of God, providence, prophecy, free will, human nature, repentance¿and more. The teachings of Maimonides continue to have profound relevance to those seeking an intellectually vibrant understanding of Judaism. Although deeply rooted in Jewish sources, the writings of Maimonides provide spiritual insights for people of all backgrounds.

Author Biography

No Jewish thinker has had a more significant impact on Jewish religious thought than Moses Maimonides (I 138 - 1204). A medieval philosopher whose vision covered an extensive range, he created a method of mediating between revelation and reason that laid the groundwork for a rational, philosophically sophisticated Judaism. He also provided an approach to biblical interpretation and philosophy that remains relevant for people of all faiths who follow a religion based on sacred text and oral interpretation. In this accessible examination of Maimonides's theological and philosophical teachings, Rabbi Marc D. Angel opens up for us Maimonides's views on the nature of God, providence, prophecy, free will, human nature, repentance and more. He explores basic concepts of faith that Maimonides posits must serve as the basis for proper religious life. He also examines Maimonides's insights on reward and punishment, messianic days, the world to come and other tenets of Jewish faith. Now you can experience the wisdom of Maimonides even if you have no previous knowledge of Judaism or Jewish philosophy. SkyLight Illuminations provides insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that reveals why Maimonides's teachings continue to have profound relevance to those seeking an intellectually vibrant understanding of Judaism.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
Introduction	p. xi
Laws of Foundations of the Torah	p. 3
Laws Relating to Moral and Ethical Character	p. 43
Laws of Torah Study	p. 71
Laws of Idolatry	p. 89
Laws of Repentance	p. 105
Thirteen Principles of Faith	p. 151
Notes	p. 173
Selected Bibliography	p. 176
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