Rambam: 10 Fascinating Facts About His Life

1. Who was Rambam? Born in 1135 in Cordoba, Spain, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon was the son of Rabbi Maimon, a judge in Cordoba. He passed away in Egypt on the 20th of Tevet 1204. According to some traditions, Rambam's lineage traced back to Rabbi Judah the Prince, editor of the Mishnah.

2. Rambam was known for his distinct and innovative rationalist approach, recognized both within Jewish circles and beyond, as he also became acknowledged as a philosopher in Arab and European cultures. Known in Arabic as Musa ibn Maimun, his full title was Abu Imran Musa ibn Maimun ibn Abdullah al-Qurtubi al-Israili (Moses ben Maimon of Cordoba).

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3. Why is Rambam considered particularly important? His broad activities and influence secured his firm standing. Rambam was a scientist and physician, among the prominent philosophers of the Middle Ages, and a leader of the Jewish communities in Egypt and surrounding areas. He was the most renowned Jewish figure of his time and is regarded as one of the greatest halachic authorities throughout history.

4. At age 13, Rambam's family fled Cordoba, Spain, amidst Jewish persecution, wandering through Spain without rest. Eventually, they settled in Fez, North Africa, but even there faced Islamic fanaticism. Rambam's teacher, Rabbi Judah HaKohen ibn Shoshan, was killed in the violence for sanctifying Hashem's name. From there, Rambam moved to Israel and later settled in Egypt.

5. While residing in the city of Fustat (Old Cairo), Rambam married the daughter of Rabbi Mishael Halevi ben Rabbi Isaiah the Pious Halevi Al-Taka (son-in-law of Rabbi Dosa ben Jacob). Shortly after, his only son Abraham was born (1186 - 1238).

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6. Rambam served as the religious leader of the Cairo community, relying financially for years on his brother David's investments. David traded in precious stones and owned a ship. In 1177, David died when his ship sank, leaving Rambam in deep mourning and bedridden for a year. With no alternative income, Rambam specialized in medicine, quickly becoming one of Cairo's leading doctors. By 1185, he was the physician for Vizier al-Fadl (the king's deputy) and later served as the doctor for King Saladin and his son al-Fadl.

7. If you're curious why Yemenite Jews follow Rambam's rulings though he never lived there, know that Rambam answered numerous halachic and religious inquiries from global Jewish communities. One such community was Yemen's, which embraced him as a halachic authority. In response to persecutions in Yemen, he wrote the famous "Epistle to Yemen" to them.

8. "Mishneh Torah," "Guide for the Perplexed," and more of Rambam's works: We are familiar with his halachic writings, including "Guide for the Perplexed," "Mishneh Torah," as well as his commentary on the Mishnah and other books. However, Rambam also penned several works in his youth that he didn't fully edit or publish, most of which were lost save for fragments. These include "Commentary on Difficult Laws Throughout the Talmud" (covering most of the Babylonian Talmud), "Jerusalem Talmud Laws" (a selection of laws from the Jerusalem Talmud similar to Rif's work on the Babylonian Talmud), booklets critiquing Rif on some Talmudic issues, "Treatise on the Intercalation" on the annual calendar adjustments, and more. Additionally, he authored 11 medical books, including "The Book of Asthma," "Chapters of Moses," "Treatise on Hemorrhoids," "Names of the Drugs," "On the End of Life," and others.

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9. The famous portrayal of Rambam originates from an illustration in the book Thesaurus antiquitatum sacrarum ("Treasure of Sacred Antiquities") published in the 18th century. The author claims it is based on an ancient engraving; however, it is generally thought to depict an imaginary figure, not Rambam's true appearance.

10. Although Rambam died in Egypt, he is buried in Tiberias, undisputedly so. This was confirmed by the holy Ari through his student Rabbi Chaim Vital, as well as Rabbi Joseph Sambari of Egypt: "They buried him in his study house... in Egypt, then took him to the Land of Israel and buried him in Tiberias."

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