Maimonides-Essential Teachings on Jewish Faith & Ethics: The Book of Knowledge & the Thirteen Principles of Faith Annotated & Explained - Skylight Illuminations

Brief Description: Includes the texts of Maimonides's Book of Knowledge and his Thirteen Principles of Faith in English translation. Review Quotes:"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"Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index. Table of Contents: Acknowledgments ixIntroduction xiLaws of Foundations of the Torah 3Laws Relating to Moral and Ethical Character 43Laws of Torah Study 71Laws of Idolatry 89Laws of Repentance 105Thirteen Principles of Faith 151Notes 173Selected Bibliography 176Publisher Marketing: 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." Review Citations:

Booklist 01/01/2012 pg. 18 (EAN 9781594733116, Paperback)

Contributor Bio:  Angel, Marc D Rabbi Marc D. Angel is Founder and Director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals (jewishideas.org), fostering an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox Judaism. He is Rabbi Emeritus of the historic Congregation Shearith Israel, the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue of New York City (founded 1654), where he has been serving since 1969. Born and raised in the Sephardic Jewish community of Seattle, Washington, he went to New York for his higher education at Yeshiva University, where he earned his B. A., M. S., Ph. D. and Rabbinic Ordination. He has an M. A. in English Literature from the City College of New York. Author and editor of 30 books, he has written and lectured extensively on various aspects of Jewish law, history and culture. Among his recent books are Foundations of Sephardic Spirituality: The Inner Life of Jews of the Ottoman Empire (Jewish Lights, 2006), and Maimonides, Spinoza and Us: Toward an Intellectually Vibrant Judaism (Jewish Lights, 2009), both of which won Finalist Awards from the National Jewish Book Council. His novel, The Search Committee (Urim, 2008) also won wide critical acclaim. He has recently published a collection of thoughts on the Torah portion of the week, Angel for Shabbat 149 The Crown of Solomon and Other Stories (Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, 2010), and Maimonides: Essential Teachings on Jewish Faith and Ethics (SkyLight Illuminations, 2012). He serves as Editor of Conversations, the journal of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, issued three times per year. Rabbi Angel is Past President of the Rabbinical Council of America. He is co-founder of the International Rabbinic Fellowship, an association of Modern Orthodox Rabbis. He has served as officer and board member of numerous agencies, including the UJA-Federation of New York, the American Sephardi Federation, the Rabbinic Cabinet of Jewish National Fund, and the HealthCare Chaplaincy. He has won awards from many institutions including Yeshiva University, the Orthodox Union, and the New York Board of Rabbis. Rabbi Angel is married to Gilda Angel. They have three children and nine grandchildren.