Guiding the Perplexed

Rambam describes why the Torah includes passages about events that don't seem to be important.

Rambam describes his understanding of the reason for circumcision. He concludes his discussion of the reasons for the commandments of the Torah by explaining that the reason why many of the Torah's commands don't seem to make sense to us is because we don't understand the circumstances of the world in which the Torah was given.

Rambam explains the logic behind the sexual prohibitions in the Torah, and the importance of keeping your work and not trying to cheat women out of the money they are due.

In 48 Rambam discusses the rationale for the Kosher laws, and in 49 we begin his discussion of the laws regarding sexual morality.

In 47 Rambam discusses the reasons for the commandments surrounding the laws of purity, and in 48a we begin the discussion of the reasons for the kosher laws.

Rambam describes the reasons for the 11th category of commandments, those pertaining to the details of the Temple service.

Rambam explains the reasons for the commandments regarding the Temple vessels and the people who serve in the Temple.

in 43b, Rambam completes his discussion of the reasons for the holidays, and also discusses the proper place of Midrash in the interpretation of verses. In 44 he discusses those commandments that are meant to intensify our relationship with God.

In 41c, we complete Rambam's discussion of the reasons for commandments related to laws of war. In 42, Rambam discusses the the reasons for the laws of transactions between and the importance of familial ties. In 43 we begin Rambam's discussion of the reasons for mitzvot related to the Jewish calendar.

Rambam continues to describe the logic behind the different types of punishments prescribed by the Torah.