When must a person be killed rather than violate even an apparently minor prohibition? Is it admirable for a person to choose to die rather than violate a prohibition, even when the Torah does not demand such a sacrifice? Listen to today's Maimonides Minute for a summary of the laws of Kiddush HaShem and Chilul HaShem.

When must a person be killed rather than violate even an apparently minor prohibition? Is it admirable for a person to choose to die rather than violate a prohibition, even when the Torah does not demand such a sacrifice? Listen to today's Maimonides Minute for a summary of the laws of Kiddush HaShem and Chilul HaShem.

When is a person obligated to die rather than to violate one of the Torah's commands? Why does the Rambam begin his discussion of Kiddush Hashem with a description of the obligation to stay alive? Are there prohibitions apart from idolatry, adultery, and murder that a person may not violate even on pain of death?

When is a person obligated to die rather than to violate one of the Torah's commands? Why does the Rambam begin his discussion of Kiddush Hashem with a description of the obligation to stay alive? Are there prohibitions apart from idolatry, adultery, and murder that a person may not violate even on pain of death?

What is the "Pardes"? Is there a practical goal to learning the metaphysical and physical secrets of creation? Can anyone do it, or are there limitations? And if these secrets are truly a "great matter" in comparison with Jewish law (as the Rambam explicitly states), why does the Rambam spend literally 99.6% of the Mishneh Torah on the "small matter" of halacha?

What is the "Pardes"? Is there a practical goal to learning the metaphysical and physical secrets of creation? Can anyone do it, or are there limitations? And if these secrets are truly a "great matter" in comparison with Jewish law (as the Rambam explicitly states), why does the Rambam spend literally 99.6% of the Mishneh Torah on the "small matter" of halacha?

What is the difference between "Maaseh Merkava" and "Maaseh Bereshit"?

What is the difference between "Maaseh Merkava" and "Maaseh Bereshit"?

We continue with a further examination of the Rambam's understanding of astronomy. How large is the sun? Is there anything bigger than the sun? When were the twelve constellations associated with astrology placed in the heavens?

We continue with a further examination of the Rambam's understanding of astronomy. How large is the sun? Is there anything bigger than the sun? When were the twelve constellations associated with astrology placed in the heavens?