Contribution of Moses Maimonides to the expression of Judaism

Question 1

Why was Maimonides’ texts significant to Judaism?

Answer 1

• His work allowed for the continuation of Jewish study
• It gave understanding for extensive and complex Jewish texts. Some would help the less educated adherents.

Question 2

How is Maimonides’ importance displayed today?

Answer 2

• His work is continuing to be studied and used as guidance for Jewish adherents

Question 3

How is Maimonides contribution see today?

Answer 3

• Through the ‘Daily Rambam’
• A program where Jewish adherents go through a daily cycle of study to learn the Torah within a year.

Question 4

How did Maimonides support the Jewish community during times of oppression?

Answer 4

• He helped Jewish adherents to stand up for their faith.
• Helped adherents to express their faith, through his texts when they had no access to a priest to teach them the Torah

Question 5

The importance of the Mishnah Torah to Jewish expression.

Answer 5

• It gave adherents a simplified version of the teachings of the Torah
• Allowed the less educated to gain a understanding of the Torah without the need for a scholar
• Individuals could learn and interpret for themselves the beliefs of the Torah

Question 6

How is the Sefer Hamitzvot important for Jewish expression?

Answer 6

• It provides an itemized list of the 613 mitzvot in the Torah.
• Assisting in guiding adherents in their daily life

Question 7

How is the 13 Articles of Faith vital to Jewish expression?

Answer 7

• They incapsulate the core beliefs of Judaism
• Simplified for the everyday adherent to comprehend

Question 8

The importance of the Guide for the Perplexed.

Answer 8

• Demonstrates how ancient Greek philosophy and the Jewish faith are compatible and could co-exist
• This would diffuse the tension between Judaism and philosophy

Question 9

How was Maimonides himself vital to Jewish expression?

Answer 9

• Moses Maimonides acted as a role model for how adherents should treat their faith
• He asserted that no one should earn a living off the Torah
• Each believer had a responsibility to study the Torah and their faith.
• This is further seen in his decision to leave Cordoba rather than converting to Islam

Question 10

What is the Golden Ladder of Charity?

Answer 10

• Outlines eight levels of charity
• The highest level of charity is doing whole-heartedly and completely willingly
• It is a guide for how adherents should demonstrate their faith in everyday life
• Enacts teachings of Tikkum Olam (repairing the world), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness).