Maimonides' Principles

by Aryeh Kaplan

An anthology of Maimonides' own writings, appearing in his Commentary to Mishnah Sanhedrin, explaining the Thirteen Principles of Faith.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Philosophy, Religion, Nonfiction

106 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1993

About the author

Born in New York City.
Rabbi and Physicist.

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan ZT"L was a world-well-known author. In his short lifetime he wrote over over 50 books. He was born in the Bronx, New York City, and studied to the local Yeshiva. He later continued his training at different Yeshivot in Israel. As a graduate student, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan was described in a scientific "Who's Who" as the most promising young physicist in America. When he decided to devote his overflowing heart and massive intellect to the writing and teaching of traditional Torah values, the Jewish people gained a prolific and brilliant expositor with the uncommon gift of analyzing and presenting the most complex ideas in accessible terms. And when he passed away suddenly at the age of 48 with decades of productive activity still ahead of him, Jewry lost a priceless, irreplaceable treasure.

Aryeh Kaplan left a legacy of the thousands of people whom he touched and elevated, and of the scores of books and papers that flowed from his pen. "The Aryeh Kaplan Reader" is a collection of his essays reflecting the broad range of his interest and genius. From biography to Kabbalah, from contemporary movements to cosmic speculation, Aryeh Kaplan was at home. His writing is original and incisive. But most of all, it is always clear and to the point. Every appetite for Jewish themes will be whetted and satisfied by this book. True, to read this collection is to feel a keen sense of loss at the premature passing of a bright star in the Jewish literary firmament. But it is an intensely satisfying experience as well, because this book is crammed with substance and enlightenment. We put it down enriched by the intellectual company of Aryeh Kaplan, and grateful for this "gift he left behind. He died in 1983 at the young age of 48 years. May his memory be for a blessing.
http://www.sephardicstudies.org/kapla...

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredibly short book, one I read in about 2 hours, but one that leaves you reeling for the rest of your life. Kaplan simply serves as translator and editor to the words of that great Jewish sage, Maimonides, who, in his Commentary to the Mishna, and his Mishne Torah, among others, compiled and commented on what he understood to be the principles of Jewish faith. These 13 principles define the core beliefs of Judaism with a clarity and conciseness that bespeaks of Maimonides' high intelligence and spirituality more than 800 years after they were first written. In this book, we are given each of the principles, with Maimonides' words of explanation taken from his various works, presenting in simple language the practical applications of each principle, a gift to every reader, regardless of how much you have studied. The maxim says good things come in small packages, and this book proves it. Every Jew should own this book, and everyone interested in Judaism should absolutely read it (heck, I think Christians would benefit from reading it as well--as an offspring of Judaism, Christianity would do well to know the foundation of its parent religion, both to learn what makes us different, but also to understand how we view G-d, and how we can come to a mutual understanding, respecting each other's beliefs). Like I said, a small book that will affect you for the rest of your life.

[Bill Dauster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaplan provides a lucid little discussion of Rambam’s 13 principles, but adds more translation and collection than analysis. Artscroll also reprinted this book in volume 1 of The Aryeh Kaplan Anthology.

[John Minster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little guide to Maimonides' basics. Nothing more nothing less

[Alex]

a great English reference; glad to have it on hand

[Marcus Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good way of elaborating Maimonides' principles using Rambam's own words. It's a good primer to understanding the concepts, but it isn't riveting.