Tag
Maimonides
11 articles
Maimonides' 13 Principles of Faith: Judaism's Closest Thing to a Creed
In the 12th century, Maimonides distilled Jewish belief into 13 principles — from God's existence and unity to the coming of the Messiah and resurrection. They became iconic, controversial, and the basis for two beloved prayers.
Tzedakah: The Jewish Obligation of Justice and Giving
Tzedakah is not charity — it's justice. From Maimonides' eight levels to the humble pushke on the kitchen counter, Jewish giving is an obligation, not an option.
Jewish Medical Pioneers: Healers Who Changed the World
From Maimonides to Jonas Salk, Jewish physicians and medical researchers have shaped the history of healing — driven by a tradition that places the saving of life above all else.
Judeo-Arabic: The Lost Language of Millions
For over a millennium, millions of Jews spoke Judeo-Arabic — Arabic written in Hebrew script. Maimonides wrote in it. Entire communities lived in it. Now it is nearly gone.
Judaism and Science: A Relationship of Curiosity, Not Conflict
Judaism has rarely experienced the faith-versus-science wars familiar in Christianity. From Maimonides embracing Aristotle to Jewish Nobel laureates, explore why Judaism sees scientific inquiry as a form of worship.
Medieval Jewish Philosophy: Faith, Reason, and the Great Debate
From Saadia Gaon to Maimonides to Crescas, medieval Jewish philosophers wrestled with the biggest questions: Can reason prove God's existence? How do faith and philosophy coexist? Their answers shaped Judaism — and influenced Thomas Aquinas.
Maimonides: The Philosopher, Doctor, and Codifier Who Shaped Judaism
Born in Córdoba, exiled by fanatics, settled in Egypt — Maimonides became the greatest Jewish thinker of the medieval world. His legal code and philosophical masterpiece still define how Jews think about God, law, and reason.
Judaism and Poverty: The Obligation to Act
Judaism doesn't just encourage charity — it demands systemic justice. From the Torah's agricultural laws to Maimonides' eight levels of giving, discover how Jewish tradition treats poverty as a communal responsibility, not a personal failing.
Teshuvah: The Complete Guide to Jewish Repentance
Teshuvah — literally 'return' — is Judaism's transformative process of repentance. Far more than saying sorry, it involves genuine change and is available to every person at any time.
Maimonides' Five Steps of Repentance: A Practical Guide
Maimonides outlined a clear five-step process for genuine repentance: recognition, remorse, confession, resolution, and the ultimate test of changed behavior in identical circumstances.
Yigdal: Maimonides' Thirteen Principles Set to Song
Yigdal is a beloved Jewish hymn that distills Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of Faith into a singable poem. Sung at the opening or closing of synagogue services, it is one of Judaism's most recognizable melodies.