Living Torah Archives

Arrogance is the root of all undesirable traits. How, then, can we allow people to gather here in order to honor an individual?

Completion of the first study cycle of Maimonides’ code of Jewish law, the Mishneh Torah.

Maimonides concludes his code of Jewish law, the Mishneh Torah: “In the Era of Moshiach… there will be no occupation in the whole world except to know G-d alone. Therefore, the Jews will be great sages, knowing the hidden matters and grasping their Creator to the full extent possible for man – as it is written, ‘For the knowledge of G-d will fill the earth as water covers the sea.’”

Maimonides concludes his code of law, the Mishneh Torah, by describing the era of Moshiach as a time of peace, abundance and enlightenment. All luxuries will be readily available, and yet they will be esteemed in man’s eyes as the dust. As such, we will devote ourselves totally to the study of Torah.

Maimonides is celebrated as a master of Jewish law and philosophy. Not only do we learn from his scholarly writings, but from the life he led as well – a life dedicated to the physical and spiritual welfare of all people.

“Rejoice and exult in the joy of Torah.” The Chassidim sing this Niggun in honor of the first annual Conclusion of Rambam, which the Rebbe had finished immediately prior to this song. From the Simchas Torah prayers.

1985 marked the first Siyum Harambam, closure of the yearly cycle of studying the Mishne Torah, the magnum opus of Maimonides. This project was initiated by the Rebbe to unite all Jews in study, and for the benefit of studying the entire body of Jewish law, as compiled by Maimonides. The universal acceptance of Maimonides is evidenced by his headstone, which is engraved with the words “From (the first) Moses to Moses (Maimonides) there arose none like Moses.” Through the time of the Judges, the Prophets, the Kings and the Sages, the Mishnah and the Talmud, and all of the subsequent Jewish sages, no one could compare to Moses – until Maimonides!