Maimonides-Essential Teachings on Jewish Faith & Ethics

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

“"Accessible and authoritative.... Gracefully traces the contours of Maimonides's attempt to liberate Judaism from particularism and obscurantism. A wonderful and refreshing achievement." -- Dr. Menachem Kellner , Department of Jewish History and Thought, University of Haifa; author, Must a Jew Believe Anything? "Illuminates for us new ways of perceiving Maimonides's halakhic, intellectual and spiritual understanding of Judaism ... and the meaning we can derive for our own lives." -- Dr. Adena K. Berkowitz , scholar in residence, Kol HaNeshamah, New York City "An invaluable new translation ... a valuable overview of Maimonides's theological thought [and] a very helpful, lucid commentary that makes the work accessible." -- Dr. Howard Wettstein , editor, Midwest Studies in Philosophy ; professor of philosophy, University of California "Elegant, profound, accessible and challenging. Those who wish to walk the Golden Mean of Jewish tradition, while yet being drawn into a rational and faith-filled consideration of ... our shared obligation to gain access both to human wisdom and Divine truth would do well to read and re-read this spiritual gem." -- Rabbi Stanley M. Davids, DD , rabbi emeritus, Temple Emanu-El, Atlanta, Georgia "[A] lucid and important book ... that brings the full spectrum of the teachings of the great Maimonides within the grasp of any Jew hoping to deepen their understanding and practice of their faith. Beautifully written and beautifully explained." -- Naomi Ragen , author, The Tenth Song and other bestselling novels "Brings freshness and insight to [these] foundational theological and philosophical texts.... An invaluable new resource for another generation of those seeking to understand the inextricable relationships that exist between faith and reason." -- The Rev. Walter J. Smith, SJ, PhD , president and CEO, HealthCare Chaplaincy, New York City”

"Accessible and authoritative.... Gracefully traces the contours of Maimonides's attempt to liberate Judaism from particularism and obscurantism. A wonderful and refreshing achievement." -Dr. Menachem Kellner, Department of Jewish History and Thought, University of Haifa; author, Must a Jew Believe Anything?

"Illuminates for us new ways of perceiving Maimonides's halakhic, intellectual and spiritual understanding of Judaism ... and the meaning we can derive for our own lives." -Dr. Adena K. Berkowitz, scholar in residence, Kol HaNeshamah, New York City

"An invaluable new translation ... a valuable overview of Maimonides's theological thought [and] a very helpful, lucid commentary that makes the work accessible." -Dr. Howard Wettstein, editor, Midwest Studies in Philosophy; professor of philosophy, University of California

"Elegant, profound, accessible and challenging. Those who wish to walk the Golden Mean of Jewish tradition, while yet being drawn into a rational and faith-filled consideration of ... our shared obligation to gain access both to human wisdom and Divine truth would do well to read and re-read this spiritual gem." -Rabbi Stanley M. Davids, DD, rabbi emeritus, Temple Emanu-El, Atlanta, Georgia

"[A] lucid and important book ... that brings the full spectrum of the teachings of the great Maimonides within the grasp of any Jew hoping to deepen their understanding and practice of their faith. Beautifully written and beautifully explained." -Naomi Ragen, author, The Tenth Song and other bestselling novels

"Brings freshness and insight to [these] foundational theological and philosophical texts.... An invaluable new resource for another generation of those seeking to understand the inextricable relationships that exist between faith and reason." -The Rev. Walter J. Smith, SJ, PhD, president and CEO, HealthCare Chaplaincy, New York City

Rabbi Marc D. Angel is founder and director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals . Rabbi emeritus of Congregation Shearith Israel of New York City, he is author and editor of twenty-nine books

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.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.