Rambam Laws of Teshuvah Ch.3 - The book of life and redefining who we are

Rabbi Daniel Rowe

In the 3rd chapter Rambam (Maimonides) offers a third dimension to the nature of Teshuva (repentence), Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, by exploring the notion that life is not merely distinct persons, choices and moments, but also has totalities. People places and the world as a whole can be defined as tzadik (righteous) rasha (anti-righteous) or benoni (undetermined). Whilst the default may be that things are underdetermined, eventually individual lives and the totality of history must arc to an overall definition. Individual lives are turned into one each Rosh Hashana. The result is that history becomes a 'book of life' that people can be written into or out of.

Rambam takes the familiar 'scales' of judgment but subtly shifts the fable like vision of adding positive and negative acts. Instead of weighing what we have done, what is weighed is who we have become. Teshuvah becomes about deep existential redefinition, and individual moments are components of complex totalities that interplay in the tapestry of life and existence. God Torah and mitzvos all mean far more in a teshuva focused, self-redefining world.

This is the 4th episode in the series exploring the Rambam's (Maimonides') Laws of Repentance. These chapters explore the world of repentance, or more literally 'return' to one's true self, and also include discussions of some of the most fundamental principles and themes of Jewish philosophy; freewill, the world to come, reward and punishment and loving Hashem (God). Be sure to subscribe to the channel for weekly videos on Jewish philosophy, wisdom and world-changing ideas.

Rabbi Daniel Rowe is a popular Rabbi, philosopher and educator at Aish, who uses his deep knowledge of Judaism, science, and philosophy to captivate and educate audiences across the globe. Follow Rabbi Rowe on social media for regular new uploads and updates:

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