Guiding the Perplexed
Join us as we study the monumental work of Maimonides, The Guide of the Perplexed. Let Maimonides speak to us in a language that we can understand, about issues that continue to perplex us in the 21st century. Learn how to approach those difficult times when what we believe seems to conflict with what the Holy writings say.
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Episodes
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Rambam describes why we should be intellectually honest and not try to understand things that humans are incapable of understanding, such as God's ways. This can only lead to ruin. Rambam describes the difference between Rabbi Akiva and Elisha ben Abuya.
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Rambam teaches us the meaning of the phrases "etzev - sorrow" and "L'Echol - to eat". He then describes why some people are unable to learn the truth and why people argue.
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Rambam explains the meaning of the term "foot" and gives a beautiful explanation of the verses in Zechariah and Exodus that describe God's "feet" standing upon the Mount of Olives, and the work of white sapphire under God's "feet". We discuss three views of creation, and how Rambam understood creation from "first matter".
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
We discuss what it means according to Rambam to be "holy" and the meaning of the term "Shakhan" (dwell), and why the Torah chooses to speak "in the language of man"
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
We study several more possible interpretations of God's "passing before" Moses, and Rambam's praise for Onkelos. We also study the meanings of the terms "coming" and "going".
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
We learn the meaning of the term High or Elevated and then we discuss the sublime encounter between God and Moses on the mountain. Did God truly "pass" in front of Moses?
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Even the scientists and philosophers needed to speak in simplified parables, so certainly the Torah had to do the same! Rambam explains what it means when God "comes close" to us, and how His presence can "fill" the world.
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Rambam explains the meanings of the term "Nitzav" and "Tzur" (to "stand erect" and "rock") when these are used in reference to God.
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Rambam explains the meanings of the terms "rising, "standing" and "human". and we continue our discussion of why the Torah chooses to describe God in anthropomorphic terminology.
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
We discover what it means when the Torah says that God "sits in heaven", finish our discussion of the topic of the purpose of sacrifices, and begin to study why the Torah chose to describe God in anthropomorphic language.