Maimonidays

In the remainder of Chapter 9 of Avodah Zarah, we explore more fascinating commercial interactions between Jews, idolaters and apostate Jews and learn the ways in which financial instruments are used to navigate the borders between them in space and time

We begin Chapter 9 of Avodah Zarah, focussing on the question of intimacy with idolaters in the realm of time – how long before their festivals do you have to stop doing business with them? Can a Jew accept a Christmas present?

We conclude Chapter 8 with a look at our relationship with idolaters and idolatry, but in particular, with idols themselves

We begin Chapter 8, continuing out theme of the benefit we can (and cannot derive) from idolatry, here focussed particularly on the relationship with the natural world (mountains, trees, and religious sites)

We conclude Chapter 7 and its discussions of benefits from idolatry with some interesting (and unlikely!) cases

We continue the quest to understand Avodah Zarah - beginning the topic of gaining benefit from idolatrous worship

We discuss the laws of Molech (and the offering of children thereto) and the issues around prostration, particularly upon stone

We continue the discussion of the Mesit (proselytiser) and begin to look at the issues of Ov and Yidoni in Chapter 6 (Sorcery)

We continue the discussion of proselytism with the Mésit (missionary) and the consequences for the Musat (the one converted by a proselytiser)

Concluding the laws of the Ir haNidahat (the condemned city) and beginning to look at the law of missionaries and proselytism (haMésit)

We begin our exploration of Chapter 4 and the laws of Ir haNidachat (the Condemned City), a fascinating test case in rabbinic jurisprudence

Concluding Chapter 3, we investigate the laws of representational art and its relation to idolatry

Blasphemy!

Introducing the core concepts behind a halakhic idea of idolatry

We continue the history of idolatry and begin to introduce the key concepts and ideal behind the laws of Avodah Zarah

We conclude the laws of Torah Study and begin Rambam's aetiology of idolatry in the laws of Avodah Zarah

Continuing the exploration of the laws of Nidui (Ostracism) and Herem (Excommunication)

Concluding Chapter 6 of Hilkhot Talmud Torah, we look at the behaviour expected of rabbis and leaders, and what tools one has to publicly shame someone who is misbehaving (Nidui and Herem)

We continue our exploration of the codes of honour, this time regarding Sages in general (rabbinim students of the wise, and others)

Continuing our study of Chapter 5, the reverence and respect due to teachers by students – and what students are owed from their teachers

Starting Chapter 5, we explore how and when one is due respect to their teacher

In the conclusion of Chapter 4, we look more at what makes for a good student, a good question, and the best classroom environment

Finishing Chapter 3 and moving into Chapter 4, Rambam investigates what makes for an ideal student and a good teacher.

In the continuation of Chapter 3, we look at the ideal image of a Torah scholar, particularly how it relates to work and making a living. Rambam's detailed takedown anyone who would claim wisdom but eschew work is a refreshing and needed reminder in today's Jewish world.