Nahmanides: Law and Mysticism

Nahmanides: Law and Mysticism cover
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Technical
  • ID: 7638
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780300257014
  • Publisher: Yale University Press
  • Published: 2020-09-22
  • Reviews: 2

Nahmanides, also known as Rabbi Moses b. Nahman, was a towering figure in Jewish scholarship during the 13th century. His contributions to Talmudic studies, biblical interpretation, and kabbalistic teachings are unparalleled. This book delves into his unique approach to halakhah and his insights into medieval Jewish thought, including his views on God, history, revelation, and the reasons for the commandments. /n/n Beyond his scholarly achievements, Nahmanides was a distinguished kabbalist and mystic. His commentary on the Torah, known as “By Way of Truth,” dispensed esoteric teachings that have influenced generations. This systematic account explores the relationship between his kabbalistic and mystical thoughts and the existential religious drive that underpins them, offering a comprehensive portrait of Nahmanides as a complex and transformative thinker.

Reviews
Rachack Blog · 2021-02-02
clarifying 4.00

The book clarifies Nahmanides' view on divine protection and his unique approach to medieval Jewish thought.

This blog review focuses on the book's clarification of Nahmanides' view on divine protection and his unique approach to medieval Jewish thought. They appreciate the book's ability to contextualize Nahmanides within the broader historical and philosophical landscape. The reviewer finds the book to be an in-depth analysis that sheds light on Nahmanides' thinking and worldview. They particularly highlight the book's exploration of the relationship between Nahmanides' kabbalah and mysticism, making it a valuable read for those interested in medieval Jewish scholarship.


Quick quotes

    Halbertal continues to clarify Nachmanides' view of the special divine protection afforded to those righteous men who cleave unto God and to those who live in ...

    The relationship between Nahmanides's kabbalah and mysticism and the existential religious drive that nourishes them, as well as the legal and exoteric aspects ...

    Through an in-depth analysis, the book contextualizes Nahmanides within the broader historical and philosophical landscape of medieval Jewish scholarship.

Goodreads · 2020-09-22
comprehensive 3.75

The book provides a broad and systematic account of Nahmanides' thought, exploring his conception of halakhah and medieval Jewish concerns.

This review on Goodreads highlights the book's comprehensive and systematic approach to Nahmanides' thought. They appreciate the exploration of his conception of halakhah and his approach to central concerns of medieval Jewish thought. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable resource for understanding Nahmanides' unique perspective on law and mysticism. They particularly commend the book for its broad and systematic account, making it accessible and insightful for readers interested in medieval Jewish scholarship.


Quick quotes

    This broad, systematic account of Nahmanides's thought explores his conception of halakhah and his approach to the central concerns of medieval Jewish thought.

    Beautifully written, Moshe Halbertal's groundbreaking book is exceptional in its capability to penetrate to the heart of Nahmanides's thinking ...

    Yet despite his brilliance he had ideas that many modern Jews are unable to accept.