Questions tagged [rambam]
The Rambam, or Maimonides, was a famous 12th century Rabbi, philosopher, and physician. He wrote the Mishneh Torah and the Moreh Nevuchim (Guide to the Perplexed).
639
questions
4
votes
1
answer
57
views
Milchemes mitzvah in Shoftim according to Rambam
According to the Rambam that you need a Melech for a milchemes mitzvah, how does the Rambam understand all the milchamos in the book of Shoftim?
- 245
2
votes
0
answers
60
views
Rambam midrash book
I always hear Rav Breitowitz say in his shiurim that the Rambam told us he was gonna write a book about midrashim and their rational explanations, but that he never got around to doing so. Anyone know ...
- 1,760
4
votes
1
answer
156
views
Why does Rambam say "gentiles marriages' are not recognized" in Melachim uMilchamot, Chapter 8, verse 3?
He mentions this as he clarifies the rules about having relations with/marrying a captive during war:
"Relations with a yefat toar are only permitted while she is in captivity as the verse states ...
- 247
2
votes
1
answer
65
views
Does the fact that G-d rewards and punishes show that there must be free will?
From the Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 5:4) it seems that if not for the concept of free choice, there would be no concept of reward and punishment.
The question is: even if there would be no concept of ...
- 131
3
votes
2
answers
149
views
Is the war to protect the State of Israel from attacks from terrrorists a Milchemes Mitzvah
The Rambam in Malochim 5:1 says that one of the cases of Milchemes Mitzvah is coming to the aid of Jews being attacked by an enemy.
Does that mean that the war in Gaza (declared on 07/10/2023) is a ...
- 5,966
1
vote
2
answers
150
views
Did the Rambam really say it's asur to believe foolish things?
I have sometimes heard it said that the shita of the Rambam is that it's asur to be stupid and/or believe stupid or foolish things. Clearly the Rambam's general approach puts a high value on ...
- 1,538
4
votes
2
answers
71
views
Sourcing a quote from the Rambam
I came accros a quote from the Rambam, apparently in his teshuvos, that a person should be "רודף אחר כוונת התורה". I saw it in a piece from Shem MiShmual (Lech Lecha תרע"ב, second piece)...
- 524
1
vote
0
answers
291
views
Is this idea (dictation model of Torah) by Rambam heretical/blasphemous/idolatrous?
Rabbi David Bigman in his article The Dictation Model of Torah Revelation
convincingly argues that the idea of Torah being entirely dictated to Moses, and then preserved over the generations (...
- 804
0
votes
1
answer
97
views
Dor Daim and Halacha
Do the Dor Daim (generally Yemenite Jewish people who deny the divine origin of kabbalah), have any halacha differently from the rest of the Orthodox Jewish world? I understand that they also ...
- 790
-4
votes
2
answers
126
views
Did Maimonides covertly condemn circumcision?
Leo Strauss argued that sophisticated writers communicate ideas through many layers of meaning and abstraction using rhetorical stratagems including self-contradiction and hyperbole to convey their ...
- 113
1
vote
3
answers
102
views
When was Adam restored to favor?
In the Guide for the Perplexed (Part 1, Chapter 7), Rambam quotes the Midrash which states that during the 130 years when Adam was under rebuke, he begat spirits, i.e demons; when, however, he was ...
- 143
0
votes
0
answers
50
views
Why is there no mention of the distinction between teshuva me'ahava and teshuva me'yira in the Rambam's hilchos teshuva?
In all 10 chapters of the Rambam's hilchos teshuva, there is no mention of teshuva me'ahava or teshuv me'yira, why is that?
- 9,618
0
votes
0
answers
88
views
Did Rambam affirm or deny the principle of sufficient reason (PSR)?
In the simplest terms, the principle of sufficient reason (PSR) states that everything that exists has a sufficient explanation/reason/cause/grounding (there are different variations of the PSR, e.g. ...
- 804
0
votes
0
answers
15
views
Is there a difference between Chassidei and Tzadikei Umot HaOlam in goyim? [duplicate]
I have seen the Rambam Zt"l explain in Mishneh Torah Melakhim uMilchamot 8:11 that in order for one who is not Jewish to be considered as "Pious" (Chassidim) they have to abide by the ...
0
votes
0
answers
34
views
Rishonim & Chazal on Bereishit as allegory/metaphorical
I know the Rambam stays Maaseh Bereishit is largely allegory. I wanted to know if there are other Rishonim Geonim and/or Chazal sources that are similar or agreeing with the Rambam.
Sometimes people ...
1
vote
0
answers
41
views
What is the point of confessing before the meal on Erev Yom Kippur according to the Rambam?
The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 2:7) writes that the reason why one should recite the Vidui on Erev Yom Kippur before the meal is that he might choke (heaven forbid) during the meal.
The question is: if ...
- 3,197
4
votes
0
answers
43
views
Why did the Rambam single out Ribui?
In Sefer HaMitzvos, Shoresh 2, the Rambam says that anything derived using Rabbi Yishmael's 13 principles of derivation, or a Ribui (extraneous wording which tells us to include new laws), does not ...
- 19.6k
1
vote
1
answer
56
views
Ein Mishpat in opposite direction
The Ein Mishpat commentary notes where the topic in Mishna or Gemara is referenced in the Rambam or Tur/Shulchan Aruch (other relevant question here).
Is there a work that reverses the order with the ...
- 1,995
3
votes
1
answer
130
views
Chain of Transmission between Nachum and Rabbi Meyasha
In the Mishnah Peah 2:6, the text seems to suggest that Nachum the scribe received teachings from Rabbi Meyasha:
"אָמַר נַחוּם הַלַּבְלָר, מְקֻבָּל אֲנִי מֵרַבִּי מְיָאשָׁא שקבל מאבא,
..."
...
1
vote
1
answer
66
views
Mishanh Torah Sabath 11:14 writing rule with respect to left hand and elbow [Question]
In the Mishnah Torah -- Sabbath 11:14 it states:
A person who writes with his left hand, with the back of one's hand, with his feet, his >mouth, or with his elbow, is not liable.
A left-handed ...
- 110
3
votes
1
answer
53
views
Sefer HaMitzvot and Sefer HaChinuch: Which should I study?
I want to study the 613 Mitzvot, and I was told about both the Sefer HaChinuch and Sefer HaMitzvot and I'm not sure which one to learn from. So, what's the difference? Do they include the exact same ...
- 75
0
votes
0
answers
34
views
The sections of the camp of B'nei Yisrael as a reference to the Temple Mount
The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Beis HaBechirah, chapter 7, halacha 11) writes:"
The [encampment of the Jewish people] in the desert [ was divided into] three areas:
the camp of Israel, which was ...
- 8,677
1
vote
0
answers
53
views
How did Rambam understand "an Eye for an Eye"?
The RamBam, in the More Nevuhim 3;41 write :
...
עונש כל חוטא לזולתו בכלל – שיעשה בו כמו שעשה בשוה, אם הזיק בגוף ינזק בגופו, ואם הזיק בממון ינזק בממונו. ויש לבעל הממון למחול ולהקל. ... ומי שחיסר ...
- 1,136
1
vote
0
answers
60
views
Saying berachot "in your heart"?
It seems that l'chatchila one should say berachot out loud to fulfill one's obligation (see for example Shulchan Aruch here). The stipulation of the SA is that if the blessing is inaudible, one is ...
- 10.1k
1
vote
0
answers
65
views
Discrepency of 600 years: Velikovsky's view on Jewish history
There are different sources (for example: Seder Olam Rabbah, chapter 5, which deals with yetzias mitzrayim and the splitting of the sea) that explain when important events took place in our history. ...
- 8,677
0
votes
0
answers
53
views
Who was Rambam responding to when he argued for free will against the idea that everything is pre-destined/pre-determined? Did any thinkers believe it
It is well known that Rambam advocated against the ideas that everything is pre-destined and pre-determined and that he believed in (absolute) free will for humanity. The fact that he felt that it was ...
- 804
4
votes
3
answers
498
views
Rambam controversy
I don’t like that I have to ask this but I haven’t heard of this before and would like some information on it.
If one holds, for example, that the Rambam literally holds that demons don’t exist, ...
- 198
0
votes
0
answers
92
views
Does Ramchal disagree with Rambam?
Ramchal states in various places, including Derech Hashem 1:2 that Hashem created the world in order to give His goodness to another:
הנה התכלית בבריאה היה להטיב מטובו ית' לזולתו
and that other is ...
- 7,152
-1
votes
1
answer
133
views
Two tefillin dispute: Rambam, Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam, what are we missing?
This dispute was back and forth many times.
But I would love to make some clarity and understand (really understand) how Rabbeinu Tam tefillin can be seriously accepted by Hasidic community as a sign ...
- 35
0
votes
1
answer
118
views
Does the Rambam include the Afterlife in this paragraph?
See what the Rambam says in the paragraph linked here: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Kings_and_Wars.12.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
I am looking for sources or helpful thoughts on ...
- 244
2
votes
8
answers
412
views
Is G-d's 'mind' separate from Him?
Recently, I've been studying Neoplatonic philosophy in its Jewish context and the history of Jewish Neoplatonic thought.
In such a view, some propose that because G-d, blessed be He, is absolutely ...
- 804
1
vote
1
answer
133
views
Copy of Rambam's Mishna commentary in Arabic online
Does anyone know where I can find Rambam's full commentary on the Mishna in the Arabic original or if it's Judeo Arabic online whether it's digital or manuscript form as long as it's not missing any ...
- 745
-1
votes
1
answer
169
views
Confused about the proper punishment for lesbianism since num. '40' is often symbolic & the use of the word "brother" (אָחִ֖יךָ) for a woman is odd?
According to Rambam, in H. Issure Biah 21:8, he states that:
נָשִׁים הַמְסוֹלָלוֹת זוֹ בָּזוֹ אָסוּר וּמִמַּעֲשֵׂה מִצְרַיִם הוּא שֶׁהֻזְהַרְנוּ עָלָיו שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא יח ג) "כְּמַעֲשֵׂה ...
- 804
3
votes
0
answers
99
views
Where to Find Original Manuscripts Of Mishne Torah
I have a couple versions of books from Mishne Torah: some of them are from Mishne Torah HaRav Kook edition, and the other book I have is Mishne Torah Hashalem Edition and it says there that it is ...
- 745
0
votes
1
answer
118
views
Why does Maimonides list matzot as an unhealthy food?
In Hilchot De'ot 4:9, Maimonides calls לֶחֶם מַצּוֹת (matzot) a harmful food. Does any one know another source that says this and explains it?
Pasted below is the Hebrew text (from Sefaria):
יֵשׁ ...
- 101
0
votes
1
answer
58
views
Looking for quote from Maimonides on a widow wearing scarlet
I was recently reading up on the account of Tamar and Judah (re' her widowhood and whether she was considered betrothed to Shelah), and I came across a quote from Maimonides in relation to her actions,...
- 263
3
votes
2
answers
117
views
What are the minimum actions to become invalidated for kingship or priesthood by Rambam 's 4 professions?
The Rambam writes in Mishne Torah Hilchot Melachim uMilchamot Chapter 1:
Neither a butcher, barber, bath-attendant, nor a tanner should be appointed king or High-Priest. This is not because of an ...
- 7,723
0
votes
1
answer
234
views
Refuting Sanhedrin Maimonides etc on 57a
Following on from my question here:
Clarification on quotation sources around Sanhedrin 57a
All citations (that I can find through Jewish resources linked in the original question) that claim to ...
- 263
3
votes
3
answers
130
views
Does Judaism value selflessness?
Does Judaism value selflessness?
In particular,
Rambam in Shemoneh Perakim lists יתרון טוב הלבב as an extreme/negative character trait, and he defines this as someone who is giving to others at their ...
- 739
0
votes
0
answers
63
views
Rambam's Commentary to the Mishnah, Sanhedrin 7:4
There are passages in Maimonides' Mishneh Torah where it is said that having incestuous intercourse with a girl under the age of three does not entail punishment. The same goes for a boy under nine (...
- 355
2
votes
1
answer
185
views
Retroactive Kiddush Hachodesh according to Rambam
ראש השנה משנה ב ח- וְעוֹד בָּאוּ שְׁנַיִם וְאָמְרוּ, רְאִינוּהוּ בִזְמַנּוֹ, וּבְלֵיל עִבּוּרוֹ לֹא נִרְאָה, וְקִבְּלָן רַבָּן גַּמְלִיאֵל. אָמַר רַבִּי דוֹסָא בֶּן הַרְכִּינָס, עֵדֵי שֶׁקֶר הֵן, ...
- 1,995
1
vote
0
answers
68
views
Pirush HaMishnayos Sanhedrin 4:2 explanation? [duplicate]
According to the Rambam, it is forbidden to argue with the greatest Dayan once he states his opinion. Therefore, in Dinei Nifashos, we only hear his opinion last so that others can state their own ...
2
votes
0
answers
53
views
Why do Rambam references use a weird convention?
For example, in the Ein Mishpat when quoting the Tur/Shulchan Aruch, he says ”<sefer>-<siman>-<se'if>". With the Rambam, though, it's "<perek> from <sefer>, <...
- 1,761
0
votes
1
answer
60
views
Is there salvation from ignorance?
How is the relationship between people who had open experiences with God or with his manifestations in relation to those who had nothing? Will God treat them differently when it comes to their ...
- 565
1
vote
1
answer
60
views
Numbering of Halachot in Mishneh Thora
Shalom
I am a Noahide studying publications concerning the Noahide covenant.
I have noticed that references to the Mishneh Torah by the Rambam always come with two different numbers for the Halacha, ...
user32507
1
vote
1
answer
61
views
The Rambam Titling the Halachos of Pesach "״הלכות חמץ ומצה
I opened up the Yad today on Hilchos Pesach and was taken aback on Rambam's choice of words for the title : "״הלכות חמץ ומצה. Firstly, why is the Rambam putting the Halachos of the seder (...
- 404
1
vote
0
answers
23
views
What's the difference between a Minhag and a takkanah [duplicate]
What is the difference between a Minhag and Takkanah?
I know for example Rav Gershoms takkanah that a man is not allowed to divorce a woman against her own will is a Takkanah what's the difference ...
- 745
0
votes
0
answers
51
views
Are there accounts detailing personal encounters with the Rambam and referring to his personality?
The Rambam, at least in his writing, is often forthright, reassured and direct. It seems to me that sometimes the Rambam can be construed as disparaging of certain groups of people. For example (...
- 10.1k
1
vote
1
answer
181
views
Maimonides´ Ontology of Thought
Shalom,
I did some background research on the RaMBaM for my BA Thesis and remember that there has been one source that stated something quite platonic that for him having correct abstracted thought of ...
2
votes
0
answers
104
views
Perplexing section of Moreh Nevuchim
The Rambam writes in Moreh Nevuchim: Prefatory Remarks/Directions for the Study of this Work (numbering mine):
(1) ואני משביע באלהי יתברך כל מי שיקרא מאמרי זה שלא יפרש ממנו אפילו
דבר אחד, ולא יבאר ...
- 7,152