Crafting the 613 Commandments Maimonides on the Enumeration, Classification, and Formulation of the Scriptural Commandments

• Format: eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Academic Studies Press 2014
• Subjects: Jewish law; Jewish philosophy; Maimonides; Mishneh Torah; Rabbinic texts; thema EDItEUR::Q Philosophy and Religion::QR Religion and beliefs::QRJ Judaism::QRJF Judaism: sacred texts and revered writings; Theology & Religion
• Online Access: Open Access: DOAB: description of the publication; Open Access: DOAB, download the publication
• Physical Description: 1 online resource
• ISBN: 9781618118486; j.ctt21h4wf8
• Access: Open Access

Rabbinic tradition has it that 613 commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai, but it does not specify those included in the enumeration. Maimonides methodically and artfully crafts a list of 613 commandments in a work that serves as a prolegemenon to the Mishneh Torah, his monumental code of law. This book explores the surprising way Maimonides put this tradition to use and his possible rationale for using such a tradition. It also explores many of the philosophical and ethical ideas animating the composition of such a list. In the book's second half, Friedberg examines the manner by which Maimonides formulated positive commandments in the Mishneh Torah, leading him to suggest new dimensions in Maimonides' legal theory.