Mishneh Torah, Human Dispositions 3

Hello, my friend! Ever feel like you need to go "all in" to be good, maybe even give up things you enjoy to be more spiritual? Judaism has a surprisingly balanced take on that!

Context

• Who: Rambam, a very wise Jewish teacher.
• When: He lived about 800 years ago in Egypt.
• Where: This text is from his Mishneh Torah.
• Key Term: Mishneh Torah – Rambam's epic Jewish law code.

Text Snapshot

Rambam warns against going to extremes: "A person might say, 'Since envy, desire... are a wrong path... I shall separate from them... to the opposite extreme.' ...he will not eat meat, nor drink wine... just as the pagan priests do. This, too, is a bad path and it is forbidden... Our Sages stated: 'Are not those things which the Torah has prohibited sufficient for you that you must forbid additional things to yourself?'" (Mishneh Torah, Human Dispositions 3:1) Sefaria URL: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Human_Dispositions_3

Close Reading

Insight 1: No Extremes, Even for Good

Rambam teaches that trying too hard to be spiritual by denying yourself all pleasures (like food or drink) is actually a "bad path." It's not the Jewish way to completely withdraw from the world.

Insight 2: Judaism is In the World

We’re not meant to escape the world to be holy. Instead, we find holiness within our daily lives – eating, working, even sleeping – by connecting them to a higher purpose.

Insight 3: Balance is Key

The Torah gives us boundaries. We don't need to add more. The goal is a healthy, balanced life, used to "know God" in all our actions.

Apply It

This week, pick one everyday action (like making tea or walking). Before you do it, pause for 5 seconds. Think: "How can I do this with a bit more intention or gratitude?"

Chevruta Mini

1. What's one small pleasure you enjoy that you sometimes feel guilty about?
2. How might seeing everyday actions as "serving God" change your perspective?

Takeaway

Judaism calls us to find God in the world, not by escaping it.