The Rambam's Legacy: A Grandson's Battle to Defend "Guide for the Perplexed"

Rabbi David, son of Rabbi Abraham, grandson of the Rambam, served as the leader of the Jewish people under the Muslim Caliphate that ruled the Middle East at the time. He was responsible for Jewish affairs in Egypt, Israel, Syria, Babylon, and other regions in the east.

In 1285, at the age of 63, he abruptly left his position and traveled to the city of Acre in Israel, then under Crusader control. The journey was risky, as envious people had accused him of conspiring with Christians. Once he entered Acre, his detractors informed the authorities that Rabbi David was allegedly conspiring against the Muslims, leading the Sultan to replace him with Al-Mahadab Abu Al-Hasan, a descendant of Rabbi Samuel, but not a scholar.

Why did Rabbi David take such a risk?

He aimed to defend his grandfather's reputation. In Acre, there was an Ashkenazi community, followers of Rabbi Yechiel of Paris, including Rabbi Shlomo Petit, a fierce critic of the Rambam. Petit wanted to eradicate the Rambam's works in the east.

Before entering Acre, Rabbi David visited Mount Meron and cursed those who maligned him. His accusers reportedly died soon after. Arriving in Acre, he attempted negotiations with Petit but failed to resolve the conflict. Petit accused the Rambam of heresy due to excerpts from "Guide for the Perplexed." Rabbi David argued that the text was profound and complex, not meant for simplistic judgment.

Rabbi David sent a letter to Rabbi Yishai ben Chizkiya of Damascus, a descendent of King David, urging a warning letter to Petit. The letter noted the eastern communities followed the Rambam's teachings and wouldn't condone defamation, yet Petit persisted, seeking Ashkenazi support.

Petit traveled to Italy, seeking support, but was rebuffed. Desperate, he appealed to the Pope, claiming the Rambam spread heresy. The Pope, intrigued, read "Guide for the Perplexed" in translation and found it favorable, issuing an edict against criticizing the Rambam's works.

Defeated in Italy, Petit returned to Acre, continued his campaign, and attempted to confiscate "Guide for the Perplexed" copies, but local Jews resisted. Meanwhile, some of Petit's followers vandalized Rambam's tomb, but locals quickly amended the damage to honor the Rambam.

Rabbi David returned to Egypt, reassumed his position, and led his community firmly, upholding his grandfather's legacy.

In the month of Iyar 1288, the head of Babylon, Rabbi David ben Daniel, joined Rabbi Yishai from Damascus, issuing decrees ostracizing slanderers of the Rambam. These letters reached Acre's rabbis.

Petit refrained from his views and turned to Rabbi Shlomo ben Aderet in Spain for support. Only Rabbi Shlomo, with wisdom, reconciled the factions, resulting in revoked excommunications. Peace returned temporarily. Sadly, three years later, war devastated Acre's Jewish community. No further opposition to the Rambam was recorded, with eastern Jews continuing his legacy.

Rabbi David passed away peacefully in 1300, nearing 90, succeeded by his son Rabbi Avraham Maimonides as leader.