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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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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Taamei HaMitzvos 11
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Taamei HaMitzvos 11

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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Taamei HaMitzvos 10
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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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Taamei HaMitzvos 09
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Taamei HaMitzvos 09

Rationality Gives G-d Honour

Rabbi Triebitz learns through section III; chapter 30 and section III; chapter 31. Rambam looks at the book of agriculture of the Sabbateans and shows how G-d based His Torah on their rituals and beliefs. Torah and mitzvos come as an antidote to idolaty, and therefore share many similarities with contemporaneous pagan practices, rituals and beliefs.

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Taamei HaMitzvos 08
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Antidote to Avoda Zara

Rabbi Triebitz reads through section III; chapter 29, about Avraham Avinu, the difference between him and Moshe Rabbeinu, and how the mitzvos are the means to get away from Avoda Zara and allow one to do the true service of G-d which is just love and fear.

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Taamei HaMitzvos 07
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The Sources of Monotheism

In this shiur Rabbi Triebitz uses Rambam in section III; chapter 29 in order to understand the textual underpinnings of Jewish monotheism. His reading of the Biblical text is a direct response to the claims of Biblical criticism that there is no source for the common belief that Avraham Avinu is the founder of monotheism.

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Taamei HaMitzvos 06
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Olam HaBa – disembodied intellect

In this shiur Rabbi Triebitz uses a careful reading of Rambam section III; chapter 27 and section III; chapter 28 as a means of elucidating Rambam’s understanding of the fundamental issues of Olam HaBa (world to come), Techias HaMeisim (resurrection of the dead) and Yemos HaMashiach (the messianic era). His reading ties together Rambam’s discussion of these ideas in hilchos teshuva and hilchos melachim, introduction to Chelek and the letter to Luniel.

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Taamei HaMitzvos 05
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Rambam vs. Ramban

For many people the main knowledge of Moreh Nevuchim is when the Ramban on Chumash quotes him. The discussion of Taamei HaMitzvos is in Ramban’s commentary on Devarim 22:6 (p. 448-9 in the Chavel edition). Common wisdom has it that they disagree about whether or not there are reasons for the mitzvot.

Rabbi Triebitz learns the correct understanding in the argument between Rambam and Ramban. Rabbi Triebitz shows why this is clearly a false understanding, and goes on to explain the real point of machlokes between them.

It turns out that their real argument is the limits of negative theology, and whether mitzvot are acts of G-d, or creations of G-d.

Rabbi Triebitz then continues with section III; chapter 27 in Moreh Nevuchim.

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Taamei HaMitzvos 04
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Taamei HaMitzvos 04

General and Details, Reasons and Random

This shiur is on section III; chapter 26 in Moreh Nevuchim.

Rambam explains a statement of Chazal which appears to contradict his principle that there are reasons for the mitzvot. He resolves this by explaining that although the general principle of the mitzvot are rational, the details are arbitrary and without reason.

Rabbi Triebitz explains this dichotomy with reference to Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle and quantum mechanics. But don’t worry if you don’t understand the physics, everything is explained in the end.

If you don’t believe me you can listen to it yourself.

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Taamei HaMitzvos 03
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Taamei HaMitzvos 03