{"title":"Maimonides (Rambam)","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"maimonides-the-exceptional-mind","title":"Maimonides The Exceptional Mind","description":"\u003cp\u003eMaimonides: The Exceptional Mind is an examination of the remarkable penetrating mind of Moses Maimonides and to his rational eye-opening thoughts. It includes ideas that are not incorporated in the usual books about this great philosopher because they are so different from the traditional thinking of the vast majority of people. It contrasts the notions of other Jewish thinkers, somewhat rational and others not rational at all. THE BOOK ADDRESSES PROVOCATIVE QUESTIONS SUCH AS: - Who was Maimonides and why do virtually all Jews consider him a genius and unique? - Are we obligated to believe all the thirteen principles that Maimonides listed? - Are Jews required to believe anything? - What is the ultimate goal that humans should strive to achieve? - Why are Jews obliged to observe Jewish practices? - Is it possible that great and respected Bible commentators like Rashi had non-rational notions in their commentaries? - What is wrong with the concept of the “chosen people”? - What is Jewish mysticism and how and when did it develop? - What are the unique views of such Jewish thinkers as Moses Maimonides, Abraham ibn Ezra, Yehudah Halevi, Moses Nachmanides, Joseph ibn Caspi, Rav of Babylonia, Joseph Bechor Schor, Baruch Spinoza, Pseudo-Aristeas and others? The reader will be surprised, if not shocked, to learn that a host of beliefs that are prevalent among the Jewish masses have no rational basis. This does not suggest that Judaism itself is irrational and absurd. Just the opposite. But many Jews have opted to believe the unreasonable and illogical conventional ideas – what Maimonides would label non-Jewish Sabian notions – because they have not been acquainted with Maimonides’ correct rational alternatives and taken the time to reflect upon it. Reviews: Dr. Israel Drazin, accomplished Targum scholar, has turned his writing skills to Maimonides, whose rationalistic approach ( “Maimonides: The Exceptional Mind ) fascinates the author. Despite the overwhelming acceptance of the Rambam’s authority, Drazin demonstrates the existence of a surprising gap between the Master’s ideas, and contemporary traditional thought and observance. Rambam describes God as withdrawing from His world after creation, for intervention would compromise the philosophic concept of His perfection. But traditional Jews do not cease to pray for God’s intervention. Rambam’s halakha does not recognize demonic forces, but those sections he eliminated from the liturgy for this reason (e.g. in Kiddush Levana) remain in the most traditional prayer books. Parts two and three of this book are devoted to exposing non-rational parts of contemporary Jewish practice (devils, demons, mysticism) despite their rejection by Maimonides. Following holiday sequence, Drazin’s revelations are fascinating eye-openers: “Demons and Sympathetic Magic in the Passover Seder” will cause many to begin reading this beautifully crafted volume from Chapter 31! The conflict between Rambam’s rationalism and popular religion is spelled out over a wide range, including passing over Rambam’s Mishneh Torah (“why did Judaism reject it”) in favor of other law codes. Drazin’s work on Maimonides is marked by disarming candor, uncompromising intellectual curiosity, penetrating original analysis, and love of Maimonides, making his thought the prism for investigating all things Jewish (“Rashi was convinced that God is corporal, that He has a body, including hands, feet, and head”). The book is written with skill and extreme clarity, uncovering true deep meanings in the Rambam’s words. Each chapter spells out questions, and summarized the discussion at the end. The physical production of the volume sets new standards of attractiveness. Israel Drazin presents us with captivating insights into Jewish intellectual history, thought, and practice, built around Maimonides, the Jewish “philosopher king”, and pivotal figure for all things Jewish for almost a thousand years. Drazin tells it like it is. The book cannot be put down! Professor Shamma Friedman , Jewish Theological Seminary and Bar Ilan University Israel Drazin has added his prolific pen to the ongoing quest for the real Maimonides. Is it the Rambam of his Code or of his Guide? Rabbi Drazin comes down squarely on the side of the rational approach of the Guide. He makes his case in an extremely well written and understandable volume entitled Maimonides: The Exceptional Mind . It is indeed a worthwhile challenge for an individual such as myself who was raised on the Code of Brisk and Volozhin. Dr. Drazin’s work is a valuable new link to the endless chain of Maimonidean scholarship, which began after the Rambam thought his writings would seal the Oral Torah. Rabbi Dr. Aaron Rakeffet , Rosh Kollel and Professor of rabbinic Literature, Yeshiva University in Israel Israel Drazin provides us with a marvelous transition from his last volume, A Rational Approach to Judaism in his latest work, Maimonides: The Exceptional Mind , by describing, in clear and lucid language, the contribution of this greatest of rationalists to Jewish thought and understanding. This is not a book for the intellectually faint of heart. It is unconventional, extraordinarily thought provoking, and has the potentiality to bring inquiring Jews back to the orbit of Jewish life. To learn about this now venerated sage from the pen of one who has devoted his life to searching for truth, is to embark on a new and exciting journey from which there can be no return to an unexamined Judaism. We are grateful to Dr. Drazin for prying open our “unexceptional minds.” Rabbi Dr. Stanley M. Wagner , Rabbi Emeritus, BMH-BJ, Denver, Colorado and Professor Emeritus, University of Denver Israel Drazin’s Maimonides: The Exceptional Mind is a passionate and provocative polemic against ignorance and blind faith in Judaism. “Jews must think for themselves. Sadly, many Jews do not adhere to this principle of Judaism.” For Drazin, Maimonides is the champion of enlightened and rational commitment to a life of Torah free from superstition and mysticism. Dr. Raphael Jospe , Department of Jewish Philosophy, Bar Ilan University Dr. Israel Drazin succeeds in presenting Maimonides’ philosophy in a manner that the average reader can comprehend. The ideas presented are clearly stated so as to induce the reader to probe his own thinking. The author and the reader are thus engaged in a profound and meaningful conversation. The book is a valuable and original contribution to the vast literature on Maimonides. Professor Bernard , Auerbach, University of Maryland\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Israel Drazin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336216629558,"sku":"424-1","price":24.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i18542.89065.jpg?v=1785304858"},{"product_id":"maimonides-and-the-biblical-prophets","title":"Maimonides: and the Biblical Prophets","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis engaging and informative book reveals unknown but true facts about the prophetical books of the Bible. Rabbis have avoided many questions raised by the seemingly improbable events in these volumes. Maimonides: and the Biblical Prophets addresses these questions and takes an open and rational look at the episodes. The book addresses provocative questions such as: What is the proper way to interpret the Torah? How does Maimonides understand the episodes of the Prophets? Did miracles such as the splitting of the Red Sea, the falling of the walls at Jericho, and the sun standing still for Joshua really occur? What assumptions cause us to misunderstand the Bible? Is there a biblical mandate prohibiting suicide? Does the Bible forbid ceding parts of the land of Israel for peace? Can children be punished for their parents’ misdeeds, and, if not, why does the Torah say that they are punished? Why does Shabbat begin at different times for men and women? Why did significant biblical leaders violate rabbinical laws? What really caused the adding of a day to holidays shortly after the time of Moses? Why does the Bible not always mean what it appears to say? Is it true that Judaism does not know what happens after death? Reviews: Israel Drazin’s Maimonides and the Biblical Prophets includes much more than the title indicates. It is a comprehensive review of many aspects of biblical thought and discusses many other fundamentals of Jewish belief. The treatment of these subjects is a rational one and is extremely interesting and thought provoking. It is a valuable contribution to the expanding literature on biblical and Maimonidean interpretation. Professor Bernard Auerbach (Retired) University of Maryland School of Law\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Israel Drazin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336510787894,"sku":"9789652294302","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i67149.93165.jpg?v=1785307887"},{"product_id":"maimonides-reason-above-all","title":"Maimonides: Reason Above All","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis thought-provoking and enlightening book uncovers unknown but true facts about Maimonides, his family and his unique, often controversial, but brilliant ideas. The reader is introduced to Maimonides’ family, people who generally failed to share his rational approach to life. The book addresses provocative questions such as: did the majority of Jews before Maimonides believe that God has a body? Why did Maimonides and many rabbis disparage women? Why did Maimonides extol intelligent non-Jews? Why don’t Jews say a prayer before such activities as having sexual relations or giving charity? Why doesn’t the Torah condemn the five suicides committed in its pages? Why were Jacob and david passive when their daughters were raped? should rational Jews observe mystical Jewish practices and say mystical prayers? This volume contains surprising facts, such as: not all Jews believe that people have “souls.” Rabbis know that we do not possess the original Torah text. Rabbis suggest that Moses’ staff had unusual magical powers. Jewish judges do not adjudicate cases according to Torah law. Many rabbis recognize that the ten plagues were not miracles. The Torah records how innocent people are killed for the misdeeds of their ancestors. dipping bread in salt is based on a superstitious fear of demons. Reviews: Praise for A Rational Approach to Judaism and Torah Commentary “In a world which increasingly downplays or even delegitimizes rational, Drazin has written the intelligent rationalist’s primer.” -Zvi Grumet, Lookstein Digest “Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin has placed every thinking person in his debt by providing us with a guide to a rational understanding of the Bible and Judaism.” Rabbi Dr. Stanley M. Wagner, Author Praise for Onkelos on the Torah “In a world which increasingly downplays or even delegitimizes rational, Drazin has written the intelligent rationalist’s primer.” Zvi Grumet, Lookstein Digest “Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin has placed every thinking person in his debt by providing us with a guide to a rational understanding of the Bible and Judaism.” Rabbi Dr. Stanley M. Wagner, Author Praise for Onkelos on the Torah “At last, the English-speaking world will be able to understand why our Sages mandated the weekly reading of Onkelos.” Rabbi Yona Metzger, Chief Rabbi of Israel “Historical and exegetical perspectives are covered intelligently and helpfully….An important and congenial contribution to the Judaica bookshelf.” Dr. Avivah Zornberg, Author “It is a pleasure to recommend this new volume…. Rabbis Drazin and Wagner have added an important volume for all those who want to take Torah seriously.” Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm President, Yeshiva University “An enormous labor, presenting vast qualities of information, handsomely designed, user friendly and an important reference for years to come.” Intermountain Jewish News\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Israel Drazin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336534020406,"sku":"9789652294319","price":24.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i74290.35886.jpg?v=1785308323"},{"product_id":"the-drazin-maimonidies-series-3-volume-set","title":"The Drazin Maimonidies Series 3 Volume Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eMaimonides: The Exceptional Mind is an examination of the remarkable penetrating mind of Moses Maimonides and to his rational eye-opening thoughts. It includes ideas that are not incorporated in the usual books about this great philosopher because they are so different from the traditional thinking of the vast majority of people. It contrasts the notions of other Jewish thinkers, somewhat rational and others not rational at all. Maimonides: and the Biblical Prophets is an engaging and informative book revealing unknown but true facts about the prophetical books of the Bible. Rabbis have avoided many questions raised by the seemingly improbable events in these volumes. Maimonides: and the Biblical Prophets addresses these questions and takes an open and rational look at the episodes. Maimonides: Reason Above All is a thought-provoking and enlightening book that uncovers unknown but true facts about Maimonides, his family,and his unique,often controversial, but brilliant ideas.The reader is introduced to Maimonides’ family, people who generally failed to share his rational approach to life.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Israel Drazin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336629506358,"sku":"8-229-42X-SET","price":69.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i99757.63279.jpg?v=1785309801"},{"product_id":"mishneh-torah-rambam-hebrew-english-18-volumes","title":"Mishneh Torah - Rambam - Hebrew \u0026 English 18 volumes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Moses Maimonides and Eliyahu Touger","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54336839614774,"sku":"940118-18","price":760.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i253598.17179.jpg?v=1785313406"},{"product_id":"rules-to-live-by-maimonides-guide-to-a-wonderful-life","title":"חוקי חיים","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e\"ממשה עד משה לא קם כמשה\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e-- אימרה יהודית מפורסמת מימי הביניים, המשווה בין משה רבנו לרמב״ם\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e‏הרמב״ם, מן האישים הרוחניים והאינטלקטואליים הגדולים בכל הדורות, העלה על הכתב אמיתות פרקטיות ישימות ורלוונטיות לחיינו כיום בדיוק כפי שהיו לפני למעלה משמונה מאות שנה, ויהיו כך לנצח. כמעט אלף שנה לאחר מותו ממשיכות להדהד ולהיזכר אמרותיו:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e\"בענייני כספים היה קפדן עם עצמך ונדיב עם אחרים\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e\"השתיקה היא התגלמות החוכמה\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\n\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e\"בכל דבר שאפשר לטפל בתזונה\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\" dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003eנכונה אל תטפלו בשום\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\" dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003eדרך אחרת\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\n\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\"עדיף סיכון הנובע מהחלטה גרועה על חרדת אי-ההחלטה\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e‏לרמב״ם היה הרבה לומר על כל אחד מתחומי החיים המעסיקים את כולנו, וכדי לחיות חיים שמחים ונפלאים יש לשים אליהם לב. בספר זה מגלה הרב ג׳פרי כץ את התובנות ואת הלקחים של ״הנשר הגדול״ ואת הדרך ליישמם בכל אחד מתחומי החיים:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\n\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003eמדוע האופי קובע\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\n\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003eכיצד משיגים הצלחה בעבודה\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\n\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003eחשיבות המשפחה\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\n\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003eמדוע חשובה המורשת שלכם\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\n\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003eכיצד ליצור קשרים רוחניים\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\n\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003eמדוע גישתכם חשובה\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"LTR\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\n\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e‏ כיצד גוף בריא מביא לחיים טובים\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003eמילותיו, השפעתו ותובנותיו של הרמב״ם ממשיכות לחיות עימנו. תיהנו מהצמיחה שסודות הצלחה עתיקים אלו מעניקים ותמצאו את הדרך לחיים הטובים כבר עכשיו.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" dir=\"RTL\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"HE\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jeffrey Katz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54337351352630,"sku":"7801-90 \/ g7190","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0993\/2092\/2422\/files\/i352835.00068.jpg?v=1785319660"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.gefenpublishing.com\/collections\/maimonides-rambam.oembed","provider":"Gefen Publishing House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}