Code of Maimonides (Mishneh Torah): Book Two, The Book of Love (Yale Judaica Series), The

By Menachem Kellner

Book Description

This scholarly translation opens the door to one of Judaism's most influential spiritual texts, offering modern readers access to medieval wisdom that continues to shape religious practice today. Menachem Kellner presents the second volume of Maimonides' comprehensive legal code, focusing specifically on the laws and principles that govern humanity's relationship with the divine.

Written by the renowned 12th-century philosopher and rabbi, this work explores the fundamental aspects of worship and spiritual devotion within Jewish tradition. The text addresses the practical and philosophical dimensions of connecting with God through ritual, prayer, and sacred observance. Kellner's translation draws from the manuscript that received Maimonides' own approval, ensuring readers encounter the author's authentic intentions.

The volume includes helpful annotations and an introductory guide that contextualizes these ancient teachings for contemporary understanding. Rather than merely presenting dry legal codes, the work reveals the spiritual framework underlying Jewish religious life, demonstrating how external practices serve internal transformation.

For those seeking to understand how one of history's great religious minds approached the cultivation of divine love and worship, this translation provides invaluable insights. The text bridges centuries of spiritual wisdom, making the profound teachings of Maimonides accessible to modern seekers exploring the intersection of law, spirituality, and personal devotion within the Jewish tradition.