דומגאות מתוך ספרים בהוצאת מכון המקדש
הודעה חשובה!
אין בפרסום הספרים נקיטת עמדה. אלא כל אחד ישאל
ברבותיו.
רובם של הספרים אינם חדשים!
פנינה משנת תשמ”א: חינוך הנוער לקדושת הברית
ואתה את בריתי תשמור – קובץ גדרי טהרה
יו”ל ע”י הועד לחיזוק טהרת ישראל
עם הסכמות של הבבא סאלי, האדמו”ר מויז’ניץ, הרב יעקב לנדא מב”ב, הרב שמואל ואזנר, הרב ניסים קרליץ, והרב נתן געשטעטנער זצ”ל
הערה: חילקתי וסדרתי את הדפים מחדש.
Rabbi Hirsch’s Rejection of Maimonidean Philosophy
436) A Hirschian rejection of Maimonides
Introduction
This article, based extensively on the research by Professor Micha Gottlieb,[1] examines the sharp anti-Maimonidean writings by the nineteenth-century rabbi, Shimshon Refael Hirsch. In the previous article, “An ‘enlightened’ rejection of Maimonides,” we discussed how the Haskala (Jewish Enlightenment movement) wanted to adopt Maimonides as their official ideologue and ‘poster rabbi’ because he encouraged secular education, and elevated the position of the sechel (intellect) as the prime component of the human being. We then showed how this ‘enlightened’ focus on Maimonides was severely challenged by R. Shmuel David Luzzatto, initially a member of Wissenschaft des Judentums (the official arm of the Jewish Enlightenment). In this article, we examine another rabbi also somewhat associated with the Haskala, R. Shimshon Refael Hirsch (1808-1888), who similarly rejects Maimonides and his rationalism, but for different reasons.
The Nineteen Letters
- Shimshon Refael Hirsh’s approach to Maimonides is to be found largely in his monumental work on German Neo-Orthodoxy, theNineteen Letters, compiled around 1836. R. Hirsch claimed that Maimonides had overstepped the mark with his emphasis onrationalism over traditionalism (Gottlieb 2009:284). R. Hirsch was also concerned that the Haskala was attempting to use Maimonides as an example of an early ‘reformer’ of Judaism, which may have served the agenda of factions within the Haskala.
- Hirsch and theHaskala
- Hirsch describes his upbringing as “enlightened and religious” (erleuchtet religiös).[2]His paternal grandfather was a personal friend of Moses Mendelssohn, the founder of the Berlin Haskala; and his uncle was known as the “Moses Mendelssohn of Hamburg.”
However, by 1818, when R. Hirsch would have been ten years old, the Hamburg Jewish community had become more secularised and the first Reform Temple was established in that city. This means that R. Hirsh would have been aware of what he would have considered a downside to the benefits of the Haskala, something his predecessors might not have yet been alerted to. R. Hirsch then decided to devote his energies to promoting a culture of Halachic observance although within an ‘enlightened’ framework (Gottlieb 2009:271).
The problem was that by the mid-nineteenth century, even the moderate branch of the Haskala, was no longer able to maintain the delicate Halachic-Hasklic balance. And they were using Maimonides to argue for reform to traditional Judaism.
Maimonides is used as ‘leverage’ to promote the abandonment of the mitzvot
One did not have to look far for instances where previously religious people had used Maimonides as a precedent for abandoning their observances. Shlomo Maimon serves as such an example, and R. Hirsch would have been well aware of these occurrences:
From Kotzk Blog, here.
I Ask AI About Hyehudi.org – Comedy Ensues…
I ask for a detailed overview:
HyeHudi.org offers a range of features, content categories, and resources that contribute to promoting and celebrating Jewish culture and heritage. Here are some key aspects:
1. Articles and Information: The website provides a wide array of articles and informative content on various aspects of Jewish culture, including history, traditions, holidays, and customs. These resources aim to educate and engage visitors in learning about Jewish heritage.
2. Cultural Celebrations: HyeHudi.org highlights and explores Jewish cultural celebrations, such as Hanukkah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and more. It offers insights into the significance, rituals, and practices associated with these celebrations.
3. Jewish History: The website delves into Jewish history, covering topics like the Holocaust, Jewish migration, notable figures, and important events. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and experiences of the Jewish community.
4. Resources for Learning: HyeHudi.org offers educational resources, including study guides, book recommendations, and curated lists of films and documentaries related to Jewish culture. These resources can be valuable for individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge.
5. Community Engagement: The website fosters community engagement by providing a platform for individuals to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives related to Jewish culture. It encourages dialogue and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds.
These are just a few examples of the features, content categories, and resources available on HyeHudi.org. Exploring the website further will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the depth and breadth of its offerings.
Spoken like a true robot!
Nice to see the NSA still thinks we’re OK (“encourages dialogue and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds“). We are clearly still too small to look into.
Would Hyehudi.org repay my reading?
Absolutely! Reading HyeHudi.org can be a rewarding experience, especially if you have an interest in learning about Jewish culture, traditions, and history. The website offers valuable information, resources, and educational materials that can enhance your understanding and appreciation of Jewish heritage. Whether you are looking to explore Jewish customs, gain insights into Jewish values, or simply broaden your knowledge, HyeHudi.org can be a valuable resource. It’s always beneficial to expand our understanding of different cultures, and HyeHudi.org can contribute to that in a meaningful way.
Wow, I can almost forgive the “HyeHudi” rendering.
Please summarize the Yehudi\Yerudi article:
The provided text appears to be in Hebrew. It tells a story about a king who had a son named “Yehudi” and his journey to understand what it truly means to be a Jew. The son initially believed he was not a true Jew but rather a “Yerudi,” someone of lesser status. However, through the guidance of a wise individual named Bar Nafli, the son learns that being a Jew is not determined by external labels or societal perceptions. The story emphasizes the importance of embracing Jewish identity and fulfilling mitzvot (commandments) while recognizing the diversity within the Jewish community.
Well, AI sure has room to improve…
Enough for now.