Knowledge is Power – G-dly knowledge, is SUPER power.
Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon – known as Maimonides, 1135-1204 was a philosopher, astronomer, and one of the most prolific, influential Torah/Bible scholars and physicians of the Middle Ages.
Maimonides codified all of Bible Law. The Bible, is not only the word of G-d, it is also the blueprint from which G-d created the world. Being aware of the law, as it is in the Bible, gives one the ultimate control from this blueprint, over life.
This knowledge and expertise, gave Maimonides the authority and respect to write “The guide to the perplexed” circa 1190. In the words of Maimonides, “to promote the true understanding of the real spirit of the Law, to guide those religious persons who, adhering to the Torah/Bible, have studied philosophy and are embarrassed by the contradictions between the teachings of philosophy and the literal sense of the Torah/Bible.”
Maimonides was not only then, “The” guide for the perplexed, he is revered and respected to this very day, as the light that shines down on all of our paths.
The following, are some practical life lessons derived exclusively from the actual words of Maimonides Laws.
Always, Be Happy.
Maimonides develops a fundamental principle in the service of G-d.
The happiness with which a person should rejoice in the fulfillment of serving G-d, and the love of G-d who commanded them, is a GREAT service…...
Whoever holds himself proud, giving himself honor, and acts haughtily in such situations is a sinner and a fool……
In contrast, anyone who lowers himself and thinks lightly of his person in these situations is truly a great person, worthy of honor who serves G-d out of love.
Thus, David, King of Israel declared [II Samuel 6:22]: "I will hold myself even more lightly esteemed than this and be humble in my eyes," because there is no greatness or honor other than celebrating before G-d, as [II Samuel 6:16] states: "King David was dancing wildly and whistling before G-d."
A serious matter of concern.
Large age differences between a man and a woman.
Large age differences between a man and a woman.
What does the law of the Levirate marriage entail? The widow goes to her brother in Laws place of residence, and approaches the judges. The Judges speak to him, and give him advice that is appropriate for him, and for her.
If the appropriate advice is for them to perform the levirate marriage, they advise him to perform it. If the appropriate advice is for them to perform the Bible alternative of separation - e.g., she is young and he is older, or she is older and he is young - they advise him to perform this biblically mandated separation service.
In another place Maimonides writes,
……A young man should not marry an elderly woman, nor an elderly man, a young woman, for such conduct leads to promiscuity.
One of the reasons offered by the commentators is that. We assume that the difference in age will lead to a lack of sexual harmony and cause the man and/or woman to seek fulfillment outside of marriage.
Prayers are for future events – acceptance and gratitude for the past.
A person who goes to measure his silo should say, "May it be Your will, G-d, our Lord, that You send blessing to the work of my hands." When he begins to measure, he should say, "Blessed be He who sends blessings to this heap of grain."
If he asks for mercy after measuring his grain, his prayer is considered to be in vain. Similarly, whoever calls out to G-d over events that have already happened, is considered to have uttered a prayer in vain.
What’s interesting, is that as long as one did not yet measure the grain, although it is in front of him, one can still pray for a blessing in the grain.
This explains why some people don’t count exactly how much money they have, or what the actual gender of the baby is, before birth. As long as one doesn’t know, they allow G-d to work His wonders.
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