Published by Adam Zagoria-Moffet, St Albans Masorti Synagogue
Maimonides's Mishnéh Torah, one Monday at a time.
Listen on Apple Podcasts52 min
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.
59 min
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
47 min
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?
56 min
We conclude Chapter 8 with a look at our relationship with idolaters and idolatry, but in particular, with idols themselves
58 min
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)
59 min
We conclude Chapter 7 and its discussions of benefits from idolatry with some interesting (and unlikely!) cases
1 hr 4 min
52 min
We continue the quest to understand Avodah Zarah - beginning the topic of gaining benefit from idolatrous worship
50 min
We discuss the laws of Molech (and the offering of children thereto) and the issues around prostration, particularly upon stone
56 min
We continue the discussion of the Mesit (proselytiser) and begin to look at the issues of Ov and Yidoni in Chapter 6 (Sorcery)
48 min
We continue the discussion of proselytism with the Mésit (missionary) and the consequences for the Musat (the one converted by a proselytiser)
54 min
Concluding the laws of the Ir haNidahat (the condemned city) and beginning to look at the law of missionaries and proselytism (haMésit)
1 hr 3 min
We begin our exploration of Chapter 4 and the laws of Ir haNidachat (the Condemned City), a fascinating test case in rabbinic jurisprudence
1 hr 0 min
Concluding Chapter 3, we investigate the laws of representational art and its relation to idolatry
56 min
Blasphemy!
57 min
Introducing the core concepts behind a halakhic idea of idolatry
59 min
We continue the history of idolatry and begin to introduce the key concepts and ideal behind the laws of Avodah Zarah
55 min
We conclude the laws of Torah Study and begin Rambam's aetiology of idolatry in the laws of Avodah Zarah
49 min
Continuing the exploration of the laws of Nidui (Ostracism) and Herem (Excommunication)
50 min
Concluding Chapter 6 of Hilkhot Talmud Torah, we look at the behaviour expected of rabbis and leaders, and what tools one has to publicly shame someone who is misbehaving (Nidui and Herem)