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Speech

March 17, 1993

Hakarat Hatov in Halacha and Jewish Thought (1993)

General Jewish Thought

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R. Bachya ibn Pakudah and His Chovot Halevavot

1) Biographical Material: 11th century: marks end Asiatic (Babylon) period Jewish history, beginning European. Bachya is the first Spanish Jewish thinker. Few biographic details. Know only that he was a Spaniard, and a Dayan. But from his book, can divine that: lonely person, probably no wife, children. Pessimistic, as was contemporary Ibn Gabirol/Educational Background: in addition to Bible & Talmud (as Dayan he must have been very well informed on these) we detect knowledge of classical philosophy, science,mathematics./Attitudes:With Saadia, accepts 3-fold source of Judaism (Revelation, Tradition, Reason) with great emphasis on the rational. Initiates the ethical movement in Jewish thought, which centers about Love of G-d (to which love of man is secondary and from which it derives). Prior to Love of G-d comes Knowledge of G-d (this i.e. first must have proper idea of G-d, then strive for goal: love; accepted later by Maimonides}/and a spiritual aristocracy holding that a chosen few were superior to masses; yet love for despised masses - the chosen must raise them. Also: ascetic tendency, despising all material pleasures, even action as such, in favor of "duties of the heart".II. The "Chovot ha-Levavot."Published: about 1014.0 in Arabic.Is a systematic analysis of religious duties devolving upon heart and conscience, as opposed to actionr-laws (Chovot ha-Evarim). The dichotomy is an original contribution\The book is both scientific analysis and poetic essay, a ־visionof man’s redemption from sensuality.Division of book: the existence and glory of G-d, the recognition of G-d’s wisdom L grace as reflected in his creations, establishing a proper relationship with G-d, faith and confidence in G-d, directing all thoughts and actions to G-d, appreciating the weakness & inadequacy of man before G-d, the return to G-d after leaving Him, constant introspection on man’s duties to G-d, resisting sensual temptations which lead man astray from G-d, the goal of alls th…
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Kavod Habriyot (1988)

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