Moses Maimonides: A Sephardic universal genius
Moses Maimonides (1138–1204), also known by the acronym "Rambam" (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon), is considered one of the most important Jewish intellectuals of the Middle Ages. He was a Sephardi, a member of the Jewish community living in medieval Spain (Sefarad), and worked as a legal scholar, philosopher, and physician. His work represents a remarkable synthesis of Jewish tradition, Aristotelian philosophy, and the medical knowledge of his time.
Origin and exile
Maimonides was born in 1138 in Córdoba in Islamic al-Andalus, a region characterized by a high degree of cultural and religious diversity at the time. His family came from a distinguished scholarly line and was deeply rooted in the Jewish rabbinic educational system.
In 1148, the political situation in Córdoba changed with the rise to power of the Almohads, a fundamentalist Islamic dynasty originating from North Africa, which replaced the caliphate of the more tolerant Almoravids. The Almohads introduced a radical religious policy that forced the Jewish and Christian populations to either convert to Islam, go into exile, or face repression.
The Maimon family then fled, first within al-Andalus, from Córdoba to Almería and later to Fez in Morocco. The religious situation there remained tense, so Maimonides finally emigrated to Egypt in 1165. The family eventually settled in Fustat (Old Cairo).
Activities as a rabbi and doctor
In Egypt, Maimonides initially spent his time as a rabbi and legal scholar, having already received a comprehensive education in philosophy and natural sciences in Córdoba. For financial reasons, he eventually decided to practice medicine as well. Although this work was very demanding, he continued to write important medical and theological works.
His medical career reached its peak when he was appointed personal physician to the vizier at Saladin's court. Maimonides' medical ethics emphasized holistic human care: body and mind were viewed equally as entities to be healed. The connection between religion, lifestyle, and health played a central role.
Maimonides' Philosophy: "Guide of the Undecided"
Maimonides' main work in the field of philosophy is "The Guide for the Perplexed" (Hebrew: More Nevuchim, Arabic: Dalālat al-ḥāʾirīn). Originally written in Arabic, it is aimed at educated readers who, on the one hand, believe in revelation but, on the other, develop intellectual doubts due to Aristotelian philosophy.
In this work, Maimonides attempts to resolve the apparent contradiction between science and religious faith. He interprets many statements of the Torah allegorically and emphasizes the necessity of a philosophically trained interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. His approach is strongly influenced by Aristotle, but always remains anchored within a Jewish theological framework.
Jewish legal doctrine: The Mishneh Torah
Another major work by Maimonides is the "Mishne Torah," a fourteen-volume comprehensive systematization of Jewish law (halakhah). It is the first work to compile all rabbinic law in a structured form, independent of the Talmud. Maimonides' goal was to simplify access to Jewish legal doctrine and to free it from the burden of oral commentary. The work was written in pure Hebrew and remains of fundamental importance to the rabbinic tradition to this day.
Reception and aftermath
Maimonides died in Fustat in 1204. His influence extends into modern times, both in Judaism and in Islamic and Christian philosophy. His medical writings were read in European universities until the 17th century. In the Jewish world, he is considered one of the preeminent authorities in both legal and theological matters. To this day, he is considered a key figure in medieval scholarship.
In fall 2025, the JCOM will explore the music and culture of Sephardic Jews in the project THE KEYS OF TOLEDO. This project is funded by the Foundation for Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ) and the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) as part of the "National Socialist Injustice" educational program.
Current concert dates at www.jcom.de/konzerte .
