Transcript Moses Maimonides - St Joseph's College, Banora Point

Moses Maimonides
1135 - 1204
Moses Maimonides
was born in Cordoba,
Spain in 1135, the
son of Jewish
parents.
• Cordoba and Maimonides
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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.
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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.