Taamei HaMitzvos

Originally we had suggested that there may be 20 shiurim on this topic, but in fact because of the way the calendar has fallen out this is probably the final shiur on Taamei HaMitzvos.

Rabbi Triebitz clarifies and explains what he meant at the end of the previous shiur, and reconciles Rambam’s statment in the end of hilchot me’ila with his words in Moreh Nevuchim.

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[flv:/mnt/mnt_12.flv 240 180]
Video of shiur 12

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Taamei HaMitzvos 12
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Taamei HaMitzvos

Rabbi Triebitz tries to answer the questions he asked last week from Moreh Nevuchimsection III; chapter 32

If Rambam holds that sacrifices are only a concession to wean the Jews away from paganism, why do they still apply at a later time in history when there is no more desire for idolatry?

Rabbi Triebitz quotes Ramban’s introduction to Vayikra who argues with Rambam as to the reason for sacrifices. Rabbi Triebitz presents a new understanding of Ramban.

He also quotes the Meshech Chochma, who explains Rambam’s position.

He then ends the shiur with a radical new understanding of Rambam and resolution of the question, which will be discussed further next week.

Until then… (same bat time, same bat channel)

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[flv:/mnt/mnt_11.flv 240 180]
Video of shiur 11

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Taamei HaMitzvos 11
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Taamei HaMitzvos

Rabbi Triebitz learns through section III; chapter 32 and shows the Rambam’s understanding of free choice as central to creation. This is based on an understanding of primary intention and secondary intention. Ultimately the purpose of creation and all the mitzvos is so that mankind will come to have a relationship with G-d. This only makes sense if there is free will. However the secondary intention (which is necessary before reaching the primary intention) is to wean us away from pagan idolatry, which requires most of the mitzvos to direct our hearts to G-d.

Rambam gives two examples of primary and secondary intention in mitzvos. He says that sacrifices are only secondary intention – to wean us from idolatry. Therefore they are only permitted at certain time, by certain people in certain places. However prayer, which is an example of the primary intention, is for everyone, anywhere and at any time.

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[flv:/mnt/mnt_10.flv 240 180]
Video of shiur 10

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Taamei HaMitzvos 10
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Taamei HaMitzvos 10

Centrality of Free Will

Rabbi Triebitz learns through section III; chapter 33 of Moreh Nevuchim in which Rambam asks (and answers) some fundamental questions. He begins by showing the similarities of approach between science and taamei hamitzvos. Just as form fits function in biology, so too in mitzvos the reasons come to explain the facts.

It turns out that just as G-d couldn’t take the Jews directly to Israel when they left Egypt, but needed to take them through the desert to prepare them, so too He couldn’t wean them directly off pagan worship, but had to do so gradually.

Rambam ends by asking why G-d had to make the world the way that He did? Why did He not make it so that He could command us directly in what He wanted us to do? Why could He not create humans with a desire to serve Him? Why could He not change our form of worship without needing to first wean us from paganism?

The answer is that G-d created the world in such a way that He cannot impinge on human free will. That is a basic principle of understanding G-d and the world.

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[flv:/mnt/mnt_09.flv 240 180]
Video of shiur 09

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Taamei HaMitzvos 09
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Taamei HaMitzvos 09