Maimonidays

Avodah Zarah 11:11-16

We conclude Chapter 11 of Avodah Zarah, exploring more of the law around magic and magic-users, here getting a glimpse into Maimonides' philosophical understanding of supernatural phenomena and their moral danger

Avodah Zarah 11:1-10

Starting Chapter 11, we explore the impact of idolatry on day to day practices – from how to cut your hair, what clothes to wear, and how (and if) one should relate to astrologers, fortune-tellers, and magicians.

Avodah Zarah 10

Devoted exclusively to Chapter 10 of Hilkhot Avodah Zarah, this week we dive into the laws regarding Jewish sovereignty and its implications for our relationships with idolaters living in the Land of Israel. Both compelling and challenging, these laws help clarify how we are meant to see ourselves as well as others.

Avodah Zarah 9.6-9.18

In the remainder of Chapter 9 of Avodah Zarah, we explore more fascinating commercial interactions between Jews, idolaters and apostate Jews and learn the ways in which financial instruments are used to navigate the borders between them in space and time

Avodah Zarah 9.1-9.5

We begin Chapter 9 of Avodah Zarah, focussing on the question of intimacy with idolaters in the realm of time – how long before their festivals do you have to stop doing business with them? Can a Jew accept a Christmas present?

Avodah Zarah 8:6-12

We conclude Chapter 8 with a look at our relationship with idolaters and idolatry, but in particular, with idols themselves

Avodah Zarah 8:1-5

We begin Chapter 8, continuing out theme of the benefit we can (and cannot derive) from idolatry, here focussed particularly on the relationship with the natural world (mountains, trees, and religious sites)

Avodah Zarah 7:15-7:19

We conclude Chapter 7 and its discussions of benefits from idolatry with some interesting (and unlikely!) cases

Avodah Zarah 7:9-7:14

Avodah Zarah 6:9-7:8

We continue the quest to understand Avodah Zarah - beginning the topic of gaining benefit from idolatrous worship

Avodah Zarah 6:3-6:8

We discuss the laws of Molech (and the offering of children thereto) and the issues around prostration, particularly upon stone

Avodah Zarah 5:7-6:2

We continue the discussion of the Mesit (proselytiser) and begin to look at the issues of Ov and Yidoni in Chapter 6 (Sorcery)

Avodah Zarah 5:2-5:6

We continue the discussion of proselytism with the Mésit (missionary) and the consequences for the Musat (the one converted by a proselytiser)

Avodah Zarah 4:9-5:1

Concluding the laws of the Ir haNidahat (the condemned city) and beginning to look at the law of missionaries and proselytism (haMésit)

Avodah Zarah 4:1-4:8

We begin our exploration of Chapter 4 and the laws of Ir haNidachat (the Condemned City), a fascinating test case in rabbinic jurisprudence

Avodah Zarah 3:3-3:11

Concluding Chapter 3, we investigate the laws of representational art and its relation to idolatry

Avodah Zarah 2:7-3:2

Blasphemy!

Avodah Zarah 2:2-2:6

Introducing the core concepts behind a halakhic idea of idolatry

Avodah Zarah 1:3-2:1

We continue the history of idolatry and begin to introduce the key concepts and ideal behind the laws of Avodah Zarah

Talmud Torah 7:11 - Avodah Zarah 1:2

We conclude the laws of Torah Study and begin Rambam's aetiology of idolatry in the laws of Avodah Zarah