This shiur from Rabbi Triebitz deals with the 5th principle of Rambam – service of G-d. Rabbi Triebitz asks why this Principle comes here, and not immediately after the Principles which deal with the nature of G-d. He explains that prayer is dependent on both G-d’s free will and human free will, which is the main point of the previous principle.

He also shows the dual nature of worship for Rambam, and the distinction between directing prayer to G-d, and meditation on the thoughts of G-d, through prophecy and liturgy.

Some of the sources for the shiur are:

Moreh Nevuchim I:52 (or in English)
Moreh Nevuchim I:59 (or in English)
Moreh Nevuchim II:36 (or in English)
Moreh Nevuchim II:12 (or in English)
Moreh Nevuchim III:51 (or in English)
and the second Shaar of Nefesh haChaim (Mainly 2:2 and 2:4)

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This shiur in the 13 Ikarim focusses on the controversey concerning the Rambam’s position on creation ex nihilo. Rabbi Triebitz looks at chapters 13, 25, and 30 of section 2, and chapter 25 of section 3.

Rabbi Triebitz also looks at Rambam’s introduction to the Guide where he speaks about the usage of contradictions.

He explains Rambam’s true understanding and belief of creation, and shows that both the eternity of the universe and creation ex-nihilo are essential beliefs for Rambam’s concept of G-d. Eternity allows for laws of nature and ethics, and creation ex-nihilo allows for free will for both G-d and man.

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Video of shiur 06

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Thirteen Ikarim 06
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In this shiur Rabbi Triebitz challenges Marc Shapiro’s claim that the later views of kabbalists are incompatible with Rambam’s concept of monotheism. Rabbi Triebitz attempts to show that the same dichotomy between G-d in and of Himself and G-d as perceived by mankind through G-d’s actions exists within the thought of Rambam and is agreed upon by all the mainstream kabbalists.

Rabbi Triebitz also begins a discussion of the fourth principle about the denial of eternity of the universe and shows why Rambam considers this to be a ‘great principle’ in the Torah of Moshe Rabbeinu. It is this concept which is the basis of free choice, as well as underlying the possibility of prophecy, miracles and revelation.

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Video of shiur 05

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Thirteen Ikarim 05
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Rabbi Triebitz explains how G-d’s unity leads to G-d’s ethics. Only because G-d is unknowable, and His knowledge and will are both His Essence can we come to imitate G-d and be both thinking and ethical.

Sources: Moreh Nevuchim I:68-9, III:54 (and others, but start with those)

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Video of shiur 04

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Thirteen Ikarim 04
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Thirteen Ikarim 04

Rabbi Triebitz discusses the order of the 13 Ikarim. He points out that according to the explanation in Moreh Nevuchim (I:54-59) the third Ikar should come before the second Ikar.

I develops this theme and discovers the hidden message within the Ikarim – that they are intended to show us fundamentals of human behaviour, not fundamentals of G-d.

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Thirteen Ikarim 03
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