The Wisdom of Maimonides: The Life and Writings of the Jewish Sage [Paperback]

Edward Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 13, 2008

Here is an accessible introduction to the life and wisdom of the famous twelfth-century philosopher-physician Moses Maimonides, whose prolific writings on medical and religious issues, commentaries on Jewish texts, and writings on Jewish ethics and law profoundly influenced Judaism.

The Wisdom of Maimonides includes a biography; a section of selected teachings drawn from Maimonides' major works The Guide for the Perplexed and the Mishneh Torah, as well as his other writings; and tales about Maimonides' colorful life as a court physician and rabbinic leader.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For many Jews today, Maimonides is known by reputation but little else. In this splendid and lucid book, his life and teachings are made accessible to the contemporary reader."—Rabbi Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi, author of Jewish with Feeling and Credo of a Modern Kabbalist

"Hoffman's clear prose and piercing insights into the wisdom of Maimonides make this book a must-read for anyone interested in plumbing the depths of one of the greatest religious thinkers of all time."—Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein, author of Gonzo Judaism: A Bold Path for Renewing an Ancient Faith

"Although there are many books on the Rambam, Dr. Hoffman's volume makes me feel like I am just beginning to discover the spiritual wisdom of this great sage. This is a deep and profound work."—Arthur Kurzweil, author of On the Road with Rabbi Steinsaltz 

About the Author

Edward Hoffman is the author of numerous books on Judaism, Kabbalah, and psychology. He is a psychologist and adjunct professor at Yeshiva University in New York City. He writes extensively for leading Jewish newspapers and magazines, including the National Jewish Post & Opinion, and the Jewish Week, and his articles have appeared in New York Newsday, and Yoga Journal.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Trumpeter (May 13, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590305175
• ISBN-13: 978-1590305171
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #902,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Overview, June 19, 2008

By 

William Weiner (Brooklyn,, New York United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wisdom of Maimonides: The Life and Writings of the Jewish Sage (Paperback)

This brilliant overview gives the reader not only a thorough understanding of the works of Maimonides, but gets to know him as an intimate friend. We become aware not only of the magic of his thinking, his depth of scientific understanding and his phenomenal contributions to our world this many centuries later, but, as as a friend, a colleague, a neighbor, as a full human being. I sat there, reading, totally entranced, not able to put the book down, my only regret being when it ended, though my "appetite" had been more than fully sated. I recommend it for all. It is a true "must."
Marcella Bakur Weiner Ph.D.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a decent introduction, June 9, 2008

By 

Wade A. Carpenter (Berry College) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wisdom of Maimonides: The Life and Writings of the Jewish Sage (Paperback)

this is a decent introduction to Maimonides as a person and a thinker. however, if one is already familiar with Pirkei Avoth, one is already way ahead of the game. could use considerably more depth, and especially analysis. what were his contributions to thought? Jewish thought? Gentile? where is he controversial? what are the implications of the sayings? discussion? comparable or competing thinkers?

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best In-depth Introduction to Maimonides Available, September 9, 2008

By 

Arthur Kurzweil - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wisdom of Maimonides: The Life and Writings of the Jewish Sage (Paperback)

Dr. Ed Hoffman never disappoints. His writing career has included one superb book after another. It is obvious to all of his readers that he has many gifts, not the least of which is his extraordinary ability to make abstract ideas so clear and down to earth. He also has the eye of a scholar and great passion for his subject. This book is a gem!