The Essence of G-d was kept hidden

It seems from Rambam (according to Rabbi Triebitz’s reading) that the concept of G-d and the theology which is alluded to in the tetragramaton does not appear in Chumash at all. Apparently the concept of negative theology and (according to Rambam) true monotheism was entirely word of mouth until the time of the second Beis Hamikdash.

A very interesting, if somewhat radical and scary, shiur.

Section I Chapter 64,
Section I Chapter 65,

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Negative Theology 16;
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Negative Theology 16

Moshe ben Maimon and Moshe Rabbeinu

Rabbi Triebitz goes on a tangent to discuss the hidden purpose of the entire Moreh Nevuchim, and shows how Rambam saw himself in the role of explaining the theology of Moshe Rabbeinu. He refers to

Introduction to Chelek – the Thirteen Principles

as well as to many places in Moreh Nevuchim:

Section II Chapter 35,
Section II Chapter 39,
Section I Chapter 54,
Section II Chapter 45,
Section I Chapter 62,
Section I Chapter 63,
Pesicha,
Section III Chapter 27,
Section III Chapter 25,
Section III Chapter 54,
Section I Chapter 3,
Section I Chapter 4,

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Negative Theology 15;
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Negative Theology 15

Loss of Mesorah and Revelation of Theology

Chapter 62 and Chapter 63 of Moreh Nevuchim.

Rambam explains the loss of tradition of Negative Theology, using the Cohanim and their knowledge of the 4,12 and 42 letter names of G-d as a paradigm. Rabbi Triebitz goes on to make what he says is his most radical claim about the nature, function and purpose of Moreh Nevuchim. Now I understand why some people think Moreh Nevuchim is a dangerous book – not for the weak of faith!

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Negative Theology 14;
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Negative Theology 14

Names of G-d

All names of G-d are descriptions except for the tetragramaton which is the name of G-d. Rabbi Triebitz reads through Chapter 61 of Moreh Nevuchim and sets up a real cliff hanger for next week. He points out the apparent contradictions within Rambam, and when he seems to contradict his own rules of negative theology.
Rabbi Triebitz also refers to Chapter 71 of Moreh Nevuchim, which either explains or confuses the issues (depending on your point of view).

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Negative Theology 13;
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Negative Theology 13

Tread Very Carefully

Chapter 61 of Moreh Nevuchim is a pivotal chapter coming between the chapters explaining negative theology and the chapters which deal with the history of negative theology and the verses in the Torah that seem to contradict negative theology. Rabbi Triebitz discusses the apparent contradiction between the Rambam’s claim that the Torah writes in a way that looks as though it is using positive terminology to describe G-d – because the Jews were so steeped in idolatry when they left Egypt – and his claim that even accidental belief in any positive aspects of G-d is heresy.

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Negative Theology 12;
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Negative Theology 12