Over the last few centuries, the golden age of Jewish thought as embodied by Maimonides – the Rambam – has been under attack by an increasingly vocal campaign of modern-day critics. But who are these critics and what is their motivation? In this article, we will explore the various groups who have made it their mission to discredit the writings of Maimonides and try to gain a better understanding of the motivations behind their campaigns.
What Is Maimonides?
Maimonides is the name commonly given to Moses ben Maimon (1135-1204), one of the most influential Jewish philosopher-theologians of all time and the founder of the philosophical school of thought known as “the Rambam”. He was also the leading authority on Jewish law, where he attempted to harmonize the spiritual and practical elements of Judaism. As such, Maimonides had a lasting influence on many subsequent generations of Jews, who still use his writings to guide their understanding of the faith today.
Who’s Behind the Campaign?
At first glance, it may seem difficult to know exactly who is behind the campaign to discredit Maimonides. However, a closer examination reveals that there are, in fact, several distinct groups who are leading the charge.
The Ultra-Orthodox
One of the first groups to oppose Maimonides were the ultra-Orthodox, who believe that modern-day interpretations of Jewish law should remain strictly in line with traditional rabbinic sources. As such, they reject Maimonides’ “rationalist” approach to Jewish thought and regard his work as a deviation from the more traditional rabbinic understanding of the scriptures.
Many ultra-Orthodox individuals and organizations have used their considerable media presence to champion the anti-Maimonides cause, often presenting his writings in a negative light alongside their own classical sources.
The New Age Movement
Those affiliated with the New Age movement have also been prominent among Maimonides’ critics. This is largely due to its liberal attitude towards certain social norms, which clashes with Maimonides’ traditional understanding of religious law. As such, some New Agers have adopted a confrontational stance towards Maimonides’ work, painting him as an old-fashioned and archaic thinker.
The Secular Jewish Liberal Elite
Another group opposed to Maimonides’ philosophy is a small, but increasingly vocal, segment of secular Jews. Though this group is largely comprised of those raised in traditional Jewish homes, they have embraced a “modernist” outlook that is at odds with the strictly fundamentalist approach favored by Maimonides.
Having adopted an attitude of contempt towards the Rambam, this segment of the Jewish population works to discredit Maimonides’ work by promoting alternative writers and schools of thought, in the process attempting to discredit the more traditional Jewish beliefs and values.
Motivations Behind the Campaign
While the motivations behind the various campaigns against Maimonides vary, there are some general trends that emerge when analyzing why these groups are so adamant in their opposition.
Ulta-Orthodox: Maimonides’ writings clash with the traditional understanding of the rabbinical sources, which can make them seem like a threat to the status quo. Furthermore, his philosophical approach can seem too “rational” for those who favor the more traditional view that is focused on rituals and dogma.
New Agers: The New Age movement often views religion through a more liberal lens, making it incompatible with the traditional views espoused by Maimonides. As such, many of those within this movement have chosen to oppose him and his teachings.
Secular Jews: This group’s rejection of Maimonides is ultimately a rejection of traditional Judaism as a whole. Many of these individuals have grown up in theologically conservative homes and are looking to shed their past views in favor of more progressive outlooks.
Ultimately, the campaign against Maimonides is one that is motivated by a variety of factors. The ultra-Orthodox, New Agers and secular Jews all appear to be pushing back against the Rambam’s teachings due to their own individual agendas and beliefs. However, it is worth noting that despite the attacks, Maimonides’ philosophical works and teachings remain highly influential among many Jewish communities even to this day.
