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Moses Maimonides, Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon (1138-1204), known as the "Rambam", is recognized as one of the greatest Jewish scholars from Talmudic times until today. Maimonides was one of the leading thinkers in all realms of Judaism and one of the greatest philosophers of the Middle Age. He was also a doctor, scientist and researcher.
The "Mishneh Torah", a clear, systematic code of Jewish Law, compiled by Maimonides, is a monumental work in Judaism. His "Guide to the Perplexed" is a major philosophical work in Jewish Law.
Born in Cordova, Spain, he fled Islamic persecutions and arrived with his family in Fez, Morocco. From there, they moved on to the Land of Israel and later, to Egypt.
Maimonides' teacher was his father, Rabbi Maimon Hadayan. In spite of his migrations and numerous occupations, Maimonides wrote many important works, among them, interpretations of the Mishneh (the Oral Law) and Talmud, philosophic works, essays on medicine and Responsa.
He was known as the "Great Eagle" which aptly described his ability to "spread his wings" over the whole of Jewish Law, people and Land. The expression "From Moses to Moses, none arose as Moses"
also symbolizes the immense life-work of
Maimonides, both written and oral.
After his burial in Tiberias, there was heavy mourning throughout the Diaspora but the impact of the "Rambam", 800 years after
his death, is still significant throughout the Jewish World. His public leadership and personal conduct were exemplary for all and enriched the spirituality of Jewish homes all over the world.
Rabbi Yochanan Fried
