Physician – Philosopher – Codifier – Commentator – Spiritual Leader
Rambam, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, was born in Cordova Spain, early in the 12th century. Facing the terror of the fanatic Muslim Almohads, he and his family fled Cordova. For seven years they lived in the mountains and caves of Spain.
During that time, his remarkable Torah and Talmudic knowledge increased. His love of Torah combined with his avid study of healing and natural medicine, the sciences, mathematics, astronomy – as well as the works of the classical philosophers, began to shape the destiny of his life.
The legacy he left behind is astounding. He wrote Perush Ha-Mishnayot – his commentary on the Mishnah, which included the Thirteen Principles of Faith, before he was 30. He also penned Mishna Torah – over 14 volumes of the laws of the Torah. Amongst his numerous works he wrote and defined Sefer Ha-Mitzvot and the 613 mitzvahs – and The Guide to the Perplaxed – as spiritual and philosophical treatise.
Rambam was a holistic healer of body and soul. In an age of ignorance, he was a shining light of compassion and commitment toward his fellow human beings.
