Tell me more ×
Mi Yodeya is a question and answer site for those who base their lives on Jewish law and tradition and anyone interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

BS"D

In Hilkhoth Avodhah Zarah RaMBaM lists the central figures in the transmission of ethical monotheism, and I was wondering if there were any other figures in our mesora not mentioned. Since the list Rabbeinu compiled is mainly to show the chain of transmission from Adam to Moshe (PBUH), was there anyone else that was also as a important figure in the pre-Avrahamic covenant era, such as an Iyov or Yithro (yes, I know they came after, but just as an example)? Here's the list:

"The Eternal Rock was not recognized or known by anyone in the world, with the exception of a few individuals. For example: Hhanokh, Mthushelahh, Noahh, Shem and Eiver. The world continued in this way until the pillar of the world Avraham our father was born" M"T Hilkhoth Avodah Zarah 1:8 (halakha 2 in the Vilna).

share|improve this question
1  
Just wondering, isn't PBUH an abbreviation generally used by Muslims to refer to Mohammad? – Daniel Aug 17 '12 at 18:55
2  
@Daniel en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… – Double AA♦ Aug 17 '12 at 19:02
1  
@DoubleAA Yes I knew what the abbreviation stands for. I had just never seen it used by Jews before. From the linked Wikipedia page: However, unlike in Islamic usage, the English abbreviation "PBUH" is not commonly used for the Jewish honorific. – Daniel Aug 17 '12 at 19:09
1  
@Daniel Yes jews use it too to refer to all of our prophets as a sign of respect. If you read the works of the likes of Sa'adiah Gaon, R. Bahhya ibn Paquda, R. Avraham Ben-Maimon ( mainly in "Guide in the service of Hashem"), RaMBaM etc you will see if often. Its my communities minhag to give honour to our Navim whenever possible. You probably see it allot but just not the English abbreviation like you said RE: DoubleAA' link. – Qoheleth Aug 17 '12 at 19:31
2  
@Qoheleth Yes, that is right. עליו השלום I use all the time. I had just never seen the English abbreviation form. – Daniel Aug 17 '12 at 19:41

Know someone who can answer? Share a link to this question via email, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.