Mishneh Torah, Positive Mitzvot 1-83

Hey there! Let's dive into the opening of Rambam's Mishneh Torah.

Hook

What's striking about the Rambam's opening list of positive commandments isn't just their breadth, but the profound, seemingly abstract nature of the very first few.

Context

The Mishneh Torah is Maimonides' monumental codification of all Jewish law. His Sefer HaMitzvot defines and enumerates the 613 mitzvot, a project that sparked significant debate among Jewish scholars.

Text Snapshot

The first of the positive commandments is the mitzvah to know that there is a God, as [Exodus 20:2] states: "I am God, your Lord." To unify Him, as [Deuteronomy 6:4] states: "God is our Lord, God is one." To love Him, as [Deuteronomy 6:5] states: "And you shall love God, your Lord." (Source: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Positive_Mitzvot_1-83)

Close Reading

Structure: From Metaphysics to Action

Rambam begins with theological concepts—knowledge, unity, love, and fear of God—before practical actions. This hierarchy suggests an internal relationship with the Divine fundamentally underpins all subsequent mitzvot.

Key Term: "To Know" (לידע)

"To know that there is a God" isn't passive recognition. For Rambam, this mitzvah implies an active, comprehensive understanding of God's existence and uniqueness through contemplation.

Tension: Abstract Commandment, Concrete Life

How do we "command" someone to know or love? Rambam frames these as obligations to cultivate internal states, showing Jewish law encompasses both outward behavior and inner spiritual development.

Two Angles

While Rambam counts "knowing God" as a distinct positive commandment, Nachmanides (Ramban) often viewed such principles as ikkarim (fundamental beliefs) or prerequisites for other mitzvot, not standalone actionable commands. For Ramban, these concepts are the basis for practice.

Practice Implication

This sequence urges us to reflect on the why. Before performing a mitzvah, cultivate deeper understanding, love, and awe of God, infusing external practices with greater meaning.

Chevruta Mini

1. Does viewing "knowing God" as a commandment change how we approach learning and spiritual growth?
2. How can we actively cultivate "love" and "fear" of God daily?

Takeaway

The Rambam's opening positive commandments anchor all Jewish practice in a foundational, conscious relationship with the Divine.