Guiding the Perplexed

Rambam teaches us the highest level of knowledge that was reached by Moses, and the "attributes" of God as revealed to him on Sinai.

Rambam describes why descriptions of God's attributes are a contradiction to pure monotheism. One can only describe His actions as we perceive them, but never attribute any qualities to God Himself.

Rambam explains the 4th and 5th category of attributes, and the only type that can be used to "describe" God.

Rambam teaches us the difference between ":attributes" and "accidents" and why we cannot attirbute any qualities to God

Rambam describes in chapter 50 the importance of really knowing important concepts, through a process of investigation, not just saying the right words. He then goes on to state in the first part of 51 that the concept of the unity of God should be obvious.

Rambam describes why Onkelos sometimes translates God's "seeing" literally and sometimes metaphorically. We also study what angels are and why they are also described as if they "fly" and have various forms.

We complete Part 1 Chapter 46 with Rambam's explanation of why the Torah and Chazal describe God as if He was acting through human organs and apprehending through human senses. We also study chapter 47 where Rambam explains why the senses of taste and touch are never attributed to God.

Rambam describes why the Torah and the Prophets chose to describe God using anthropomorphic terms.

Rambam teaches us the meaning of the terms Kanaf (wing), Ayin (eye or spring) and Shema (hear).

Rambam defines the terms Ruach (air/spirit), Nefesh (soul/will) Chai (life) and Mavet (Death)

Rambam teaches us the meanings of the terms Panim, Achor, and Lev (Face, Back and Heart)

Rambam explains why a belief in the corporeality of God is even worse than idolatry and cannot be tolerated.

Rambam tells us what everyone needs to know, regardless of their intellectual capacity. We also discuss the nature of prayer and how those that question things should be taught the deeper truths.

Rambam teaches us more reasons why not just anyone can truly learn about Godly matters. Many people are too lazy to do the work necessary to truly achieve knowledge/ More importantly, one cannot achieve knowledge without moral character. True knowledge of God only resides with the humble of character.

There is no shortcut to the Truth! Rambam explains why it takes work to achieve true knowledge, and why most people will never truly understand the divine science.

Rambam describes why we should be intellectually honest and not try to understand things that humans are incapable of understanding, such as God's ways. This can only lead to ruin. Rambam describes the difference between Rabbi Akiva and Elisha ben Abuya.

Rambam teaches us the meaning of the phrases "etzev - sorrow" and "L'Echol - to eat". He then describes why some people are unable to learn the truth and why people argue.

Rambam explains the meaning of the term "foot" and gives a beautiful explanation of the verses in Zechariah and Exodus that describe God's "feet" standing upon the Mount of Olives, and the work of white sapphire under God's "feet". We discuss three views of creation, and how Rambam understood creation from "first matter".

We discuss what it means according to Rambam to be "holy" and the meaning of the term "Shakhan" (dwell), and why the Torah chooses to speak "in the language of man"

We study several more possible interpretations of God's "passing before" Moses, and Rambam's praise for Onkelos. We also study the meanings of the terms "coming" and "going".

We learn the meaning of the term High or Elevated and then we discuss the sublime encounter between God and Moses on the mountain. Did God truly "pass" in front of Moses?

Even the scientists and philosophers needed to speak in simplified parables, so certainly the Torah had to do the same! Rambam explains what it means when God "comes close" to us, and how His presence can "fill" the world.

Rambam explains the meanings of the term "Nitzav" and "Tzur" (to "stand erect" and "rock") when these are used in reference to God.

Rambam explains the meanings of the terms "rising, "standing" and "human". and we continue our discussion of why the Torah chooses to describe God in anthropomorphic terminology.

We discover what it means when the Torah says that God "sits in heaven", finish our discussion of the topic of the purpose of sacrifices, and begin to study why the Torah chose to describe God in anthropomorphic language.