Mishneh Torah, Human Dispositions 3

Hook

As you explore a Jewish life, you might wonder about the path to holiness. Is it through denying worldly pleasures? The Rambam, Maimonides, offers a profound answer that invites you to embrace life, not escape it.

Context

• This text comes from Maimonides' Mishneh Torah, a foundational code of Jewish law that outlines the entirety of Jewish practice and thought.
• It's found in Hilchot De'ot (Laws of Human Dispositions), which guides us on cultivating an ethical and spiritual character.
• For someone considering conversion, this passage reveals a core Jewish value: finding holiness within the world, not by withdrawing from it.

Text Snapshot

"A person might say, '...I shall separate from them to a very great degree and move away from them to the opposite extreme.'... This, too, is a bad path and it is forbidden to walk upon it. Therefore, our Sages directed man to abstain only from those things which the Torah denies him and not to forbid himself permitted things by vows and oaths... A person should direct his heart and the totality of his behavior to one goal, becoming aware of God, blessed be He. The [way] he rests, rises, and speaks should all be directed to this end."

Close Reading

Responsibility in Embracing Life

The Rambam candidly rejects extreme asceticism. Judaism doesn't see the physical world as inherently evil to be fled, but as God's creation, imbued with potential for holiness. Your responsibility is to refine and elevate your engagement with the world, not to abandon it. This means finding beauty and purpose in eating, drinking, and daily activities, rather than seeing them as impediments to spirituality.

Belonging Through God-Awareness

The ultimate goal, "becoming aware of God, blessed be He," isn't confined to prayer or study. It's an all-encompassing commitment. By directing all your actions—even business dealings or rest—towards this awareness, you weave God into the fabric of your everyday existence. This holistic approach means that every moment can be a step in your spiritual journey, fostering a deep sense of belonging to a tradition that sanctifies the ordinary.

Lived Rhythm

A concrete way to practice "knowing Him in all your ways" is to begin incorporating brachot (blessings) into your day. A simple bracha before eating, drinking, or even experiencing a beautiful sight helps you pause, acknowledge God's presence, and infuse the mundane with sacred intent.

Community

Discuss this idea of "holiness in the everyday" with your exploring rabbi or a trusted mentor. They can share personal examples and guide you on how this principle manifests in different Jewish practices and communities.

Takeaway

Judaism doesn't ask you to leave the world behind to find God. It invites you to bring God into every facet of your life, transforming the ordinary into opportunities for connection and purpose.