Mishneh Torah, Positive Mitzvot 84-166

Hook

Ever wonder what's truly at the heart of any faith, right at its very beginning? Or perhaps, what's the very first instruction in a "Jewish user manual" for life? Let's peek into some ancient wisdom and see where it all kicks off!

Context

• Who: This text comes from the Mishneh Torah, written by a super-smart Jewish scholar and doctor named Maimonides, often called the Rambam.
• When: He wrote this masterpiece about 800 years ago, in the 12th century!
• Where: Though he lived and worked in Egypt and Israel, his writings shaped Jewish thought globally.
• Key Term: A mitzvah is a divine instruction or a good deed. Think of it as a spiritual opportunity!

Text Snapshot

The Rambam begins his list of positive mitzvot (commandments) with:

"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.' To fear Him, as [Deuteronomy 6:13] states: 'Fear God, your Lord.'"

You can find the full text here: https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Positive_Mitzvot_84-166

Close Reading

Insight 1: It Starts with Knowing

Before any ritual or action, Judaism asks us to know God exists. It's not just blind faith. It’s about looking at the vast, interconnected world and realizing there's a grand, singular force behind it all. Like realizing there's an author for this incredible story.

Insight 2: More Than Just Rules

Notice how the very first mitzvot aren't about specific rituals (like wearing a funny hat, though we have those too!). They're about our relationship with God: knowing, unifying, loving, and even fearing (meaning, respecting deeply) Him. It's a holistic connection, not just a checklist of "dos and don'ts."

Apply It

This week, take 30 seconds each day to simply notice something amazing in the world around you – a vibrant flower, a clever animal, a kind gesture. Acknowledge the wonder and consider the source of all that beauty and design.

Chevruta Mini

1. What does "knowing God" or "loving God" mean to you personally, in your own words?
2. Do you think it's easier to do a mitzvah (like helping someone) or to feel a mitzvah (like loving God)? Why?

Takeaway

Jewish living begins with a deep, personal connection and awareness of the Divine, shaping everything else we do.