Loss of Mesorah and Revelation of Theology

Chapter 62 and Chapter 63 of Moreh Nevuchim.

Rambam explains the loss of tradition of Negative Theology, using the Cohanim and their knowledge of the 4,12 and 42 letter names of G-d as a paradigm. Rabbi Triebitz goes on to make what he says is his most radical claim about the nature, function and purpose of Moreh Nevuchim. Now I understand why some people think Moreh Nevuchim is a dangerous book – not for the weak of faith!

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Negative Theology 14;
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Negative Theology 14

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Names of G-d

All names of G-d are descriptions except for the tetragramaton which is the name of G-d. Rabbi Triebitz reads through Chapter 61 of Moreh Nevuchim and sets up a real cliff hanger for next week. He points out the apparent contradictions within Rambam, and when he seems to contradict his own rules of negative theology.
Rabbi Triebitz also refers to Chapter 71 of Moreh Nevuchim, which either explains or confuses the issues (depending on your point of view).

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Negative Theology 13;
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Negative Theology 13

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Tread Very Carefully

Chapter 61 of Moreh Nevuchim is a pivotal chapter coming between the chapters explaining negative theology and the chapters which deal with the history of negative theology and the verses in the Torah that seem to contradict negative theology. Rabbi Triebitz discusses the apparent contradiction between the Rambam’s claim that the Torah writes in a way that looks as though it is using positive terminology to describe G-d – because the Jews were so steeped in idolatry when they left Egypt – and his claim that even accidental belief in any positive aspects of G-d is heresy.

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Negative Theology 12;
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Negative Theology 12

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Negative Theology and Prayer

Warning: This shiur may harm your prayer. Listen at your own risk!

Rabbi Triebitz continues with chapter 59 of Moreh Nevuchim and addresses the fundamental issue of how to pray to a G-d who cannot be described or thought about. How are we supposed to relate to the G-d of negative theology.

The answers that the Rambam gives are interesting and surprising.

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Negative Theology 11;
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Negative Theology 10;
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Negative Theology 10

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