Remembering the Maharal of Prague: Insights on Spirituality and Wisdom

The Maharal, Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel (born c. 1512, 5272 – September 1609, 18 Elul 5369) was a renowned rabbi, halachic authority, Kabbalist, and philosopher, recognized as one of the prominent Jewish figures at the dawn of the modern era. In traditional rabbinic literature, the Maharal is considered an early representative of the Acharonim period.

The Maharal authored numerous books that provide a foundational perspective on Torah scholarship and the development of faith. His work 'Netivot Olam' offers insight into understanding human character traits.

In anticipation of his 415th yahrzeit, which falls on the upcoming Shabbat, the 18th of Elul, here are 10 remarkable quotes from his deep and unique writings:

1. There is nothing in the world besides the Creator

The Maharal held that not only is the source of all creation divine, but nothing exists in the world besides divinity. ('Netivot Olam', I, Path of Truth, Chapter 2) This concept later emerged in Chassidic thought as "there is none else besides Him," indicating that the world follows a divine order and plan, and that nothing happens by chance. ('Derech Chaim', III, 14)

2. This world was created for the glory of the Creator

Contrary to views that dismiss this world as a "world of falsehood" and seek to detach humankind from it, he argued that such a perspective does not honor Heaven. Regarding the four kingdoms that ruled the world, he wrote, "since Hashem created everything, surely it was all created for His glory." ('Ner Mitzvah', p. 8) Therefore, "one who possesses a spirit of holiness does not perceive the world as lowly." ('Or Chadash', p. 55)

3. Laughter and joy are wholly positive

Contrary to beliefs that encourage melancholy, sadness, and fear, he maintained that "laughter and joy, by themselves, are good - as they reflect perfection." ('Be'er HaGolah', Fourth Be'er)

4. Worried about disasters? Avoid this trait

Similarly, the Maharal wrote that "worry over calamities is a negative trait that one should avoid." ('Derech Chaim', I, 6)

5. Money gives a person strength and existence

The Maharal's approach to the material world is displayed in his encouragement of work, stating "it is a great thing, on which a great principle depends... and one should not think that work is beneath him; on the contrary, work confers honor upon a person." ('Derech Chaim', I, 10) He also explained that wealth provides strength and existence to a person, and therefore a person's intellect is drawn towards it. ('Netivot Olam II', Path of Love for Hashem, Chapter 1)

6. Do not stray from the sacred words of the Sages

The Maharal esteemed the words of the Sages as "deep words of wisdom, not uttered impulsively or based on opinion," and once remarked, "how can donkeys like us grasp the secrets of the holy?" ('Netzach Yisrael' Chapter 7) He warned against straying from the teachings of the Sages. ('Gur Aryeh' Exodus 12)

7. Beauty in the world is spiritual and divine

The Maharal stated that the beauty existing in the world is spiritual. "The splendor and beauty derive from a divine aspect inherent in creation, making beauty unrelated to the physical." ('Netzach Yisrael' 7)

8. Jerusalem's walls will be built from gems in the future

Following this view, the Maharal explained that the High Priest entering the Holy of Holies is described in the Talmud as having supreme beauty, and thus he believed that in the future, the walls and gates of Jerusalem - the holy city, will literally be constructed from precious stones like onyx and jasper. ('Netzach Yisrael' 51)

9. Educate a child according to their nature and ability

The Maharal's educational philosophy was to progress from the easy to the difficult. He argued strongly against a lack of systematic education and the absence of foundational learning. He believed educational systems should progress from the simple to the complex, based on the principle "give a youth a burden they can bear, according to their nature." ('Gur Aryeh' Deuteronomy 6:7)

10.An inspiring prayer for the rebuilding of the Temple

The Maharal composed a special prayer for the end of exile:

"And now, Hashem our God, You are our father, and Your great name is invoked upon Your children. Why should Your holy and awe-inspiring name be desecrated by Your children’s actions, saying, "If you are 'Children of the Living God,' why does He avert His gaze from you all the days, and why are you led like sheep to slaughter, given into the hands of strangers? If our fathers and we have sinned against You, surely we are in Your hand to forgive us, and what do we have in Your world to desecrate Your holy name by Your children's actions. Therefore, our petition before Your throne of glory is that You do not deliver us into the hands of strangers, to become a parable and a byword among all nations, and have mercy on us and bring us out from the hand of strangers." ('Netzach Yisrael' Chapter 49)