Maimonides—Essential Teachings on Jewish Faith & Ethics: The Book of Knowledge & the Thirteen Principles of Faith—Annotated & Explained

by Marc D. Angel

The teachings of Judaism's greatest medieval philosopher can be a companion on your own spiritual journey.

No Jewish thinker has had a more significant impact on Jewish religious thought than Moses Maimonides (1138–1204). 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.

Genres: Judaism, Religion, Philosophy, Reference, Nonfiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2011

Reviews

[Harry Allagree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard the name of Moses Maimonides (1138-1204) in one of our philosophy classes in Catholic seminary in the 1960's. Some 30 years later, in 1998, I had to the opportunity to visit Europe, including Spain, & particularly the city of Córdoba where I saw firsthand the statue of Maimonides in the old Jewish Quarter (Judería), on Calle Doctor Fleming. He was a famous Jewish sage & physician, & his face was issued on the shekel banknote(1985-1999). In the words of the author, "...from the days of Moses Maimonides until our own time, no Jewish thinker has had a more significant impact on Jewish religious thought than Maimonides."

Rabbi Angel does a superb job in translating & commenting on these writings of Maimonides in his Book of Knowledge: "Laws of Foundations of the Torah"; "Law Relating to Moral and Ethical Character"; "laws of Torah Study"; "Laws of Idolatry"; "Laws of Repentence"; and "Thirteen Principles of Faith". It is interesting to compare Maimonides's religious theology with Christian & Muslim theology. One finds many basic similarities.

[Stosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good topical introductory to a great mind.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Annalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good commentary on Maimonides and a reminder to recite the Shema.