Mishneh Torah, Human Dispositions 6

Hook

Imagine the scent of jasmine and warm spices, mingling with the sweet fragrance of ancient texts in a Moroccan yeshiva or a bustling Cairo synagogue. Here, Torah isn't just learned; it's lived, breathed, and shared, often in the radiant company of wisdom.

Context

Place

From the sun-drenched courtyards of Al-Andalus to the ancient academies of Baghdad and the vibrant communities of Yemen, the Rambam's teachings resonated across diverse Sephardi and Mizrahi lands.

Era

Flourishing from the Golden Age of Spain (10th-15th centuries) and continuing through centuries of intellectual and spiritual leadership, these traditions deeply embedded Maimonides' thought.

Community

Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews, for whom the works of the Rambam became foundational pillars of Jewish law, philosophy, and ethical living.

Text Snapshot

The Rambam, in Mishneh Torah, Human Dispositions 6, offers a profound path to divine connection: "It is a positive commandment to cleave unto the wise and their disciples... as [Deuteronomy 10:20] states: 'and you will cling to Him.' Our Sages [questioned] is it possible for man to cling to the Divine Presence? They [resolved the difficulty,] explaining this commandment to mean: Cleave unto the wise and their disciples."

Minhag/Melody

This concept beautifully shapes Sephardi/Mizrahi communal life, fostering deep reverence for the Hakham (Torah Sage). Learning from a Hakham or attending their shiurim (Torah lessons) is a cherished practice, seen as a direct conduit to Shechinah. The melodies of piyyutim celebrating Torah and its scholars often echo this communal devotion.

Contrast

While some traditions might emphasize hitbodedut (personal seclusion for prayer or meditation) as a primary path to God, the Rambam, in this passage, strongly highlights active, communal engagement with the wise as the primary means of "cleaving to Him." Solitude is presented as a last resort, not an initial ideal.

Home Practice

Seek out a shiur (Torah lesson) or a respected teacher in your community, whether in person or online. Consciously engage with their teachings and strive to learn from their deeds, embodying the Rambam's vision.

Takeaway

The Sephardi/Mizrahi legacy, through the Rambam, teaches us that spiritual growth and connection to the Divine are profoundly communal. By intentionally surrounding ourselves with wisdom and those who embody it, we actively fulfill the mitzvah to "cleave to Him."