Maimonides the Universalist - (Littman Library of Jewish Civilization) by Menachem Kellner & David Gillis (Paperback)

About the Book

Maimonides' Mishneh torah presents not only a system of Jewish law, but also a system of values. This study focuses on the moral and philosophical meditations that close each volume of his code. The authors analyse these concluding passages to uncover the universalist outlook underlying Maimonides' halakhic thought.

Book Synopsis

Maimonides ends each book of his legal code the Mishneh torah with a moral or philosophical reflection, in which he lifts his eyes, as it were, from purely halakhic concerns and surveys broader horizons. Menachem Kellner and David Gillis analyse these concluding paragraphs, examining their verbal and thematic echoes, their adaptation of rabbinic sources, and the way in which they coordinate with the Mishneh torah's underlying structures, in order to understand how they might influence our interpretation of the code as a whole--and indeed our view of Maimonides himself and his philosophy.

Taking this unusual cross-section of the work, Kellner and Gillis conclude that the Mishneh torah presents not only a system of law, but also a system of universal values. They show how Maimonides fashions Jewish law and ritual as a programme for attaining ethical and intellectual ends that are accessible to all human beings, who are created equally in the image of God.

Many reject the presentation of Maimonides as a universalist. The Mishneh torah especially is widely seen as a particularist sanctuary. This study shows how profoundly that view must be revised.

Review Quotes

'By treating these sermonettes to an in-depth study, the authors reveal how they can enhance our understanding of the MT itself and of Maimonides' philosophical outlook. [...] Kellner and Gillis demonstrate that the reflective endings of MT reveal his understanding of Judaism as an ever-expanding intellectual horizon upon which halakhah was the means not the end in itself. Highly recommended for all libraries.' David B Levy, Association of Jewish Libraries News and Reviews

'Offers an inclusive and ethical vision of spiritual life ... Kellner and Gillis also provide fresh, incisive and detailed readings that integrate all of Maimonides' works and provide the most extensive translations of his messianic writings.'
Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl, Canadian Jewish News

'The book most reads easily, making it accessible to readers not intimately acquainted with Mishneh Torah. And the book's extensive cross-references to Rambam's other works a are source of delight to scholars of Maimonidean studies.' Eugene Korn, H-Judaic

'The book's central thesis is convincing and well argued: that the codas to each book of the Mishneh Torah present a focus of vision that is moral and universal in nature... Maimonides the Universalist offers a provocative and intriguing invitation and guide to that masterwork, highlighting themes of universal resonance and significance.' Diana Lobel, Speculum

'This book belongs in the hands of anyone who teaches the philosophic halakhah of Maimonides, anyone who teaches topics such as slavery, ethics, or messianism in Maimonidean philosophic law. This book should be a valuable part of the essential library of the High School rabbi or pulpit rabbi looking to give a universalist defense of Judaism. The authors of this book have a sharp eye and acute ear for parallels between passages and echoes to discussions elsewhere in the text. As a literary reading of Maimonides the book is without equal.'
Alan Brill, Kavvanah

'This is a valuable book that takes its place among other important recent works of Maimonidean scholarship. A special treat awaits readers as well--namely, the appendix devoted to Maimonides's cosmic paradigm complete with a helpful illustration of the intellects and the spheres.'
Marc B. Shapiro, The Journal of Religion

'Kellner and Gillis have written an impressive book that enables readers to enter more deeply into Rambam's religious worldview. At a time when Rambam is subject to so much misrepresentation and misunderstanding, it is heartening to read a book that seeks to present Rambam's teachings in a clear, genuine and convincing manner.'
Rabbi Marc D. Angel, Jewish Ideas