The Golden Mean - Maimonides and Human Conduct.

I am excited to share that, starting on Shabbat, June 28, I will introduce our annual summer sermon series. This year, it is focused on one of the most profound works of Jewish law: Maimonides' Hilchot Deiyot, or the Book of Human Conduct from the Mishna Torah. This foundational text not only offers a guide to ethical behavior but also presents a framework for cultivating character in alignment with our sacred traditions.

Maimonides, a towering figure in Jewish thought, draws heavily on the concept of the "golden mean," a principle famously articulated by Aristotle. In essence, the golden mean emphasizes moderation and balance in all aspects of life. Aristotle posited that virtue lies between extremes; for example, courage is the mean between recklessness and cowardice. Maimonides adapts this philosophy within a Jewish context, illustrating how our Torah commands guide us toward achieving this balance in our conduct.

Through Hilchot Deiyot, Maimonides presents a vision of human conduct that is deeply rooted in Torah law yet also accessible to our daily lives. He teaches that our moral and ethical decisions and our daily routine should reflect a harmonious balance. By striving for this ideal, we align ourselves with the high standards of Jewish law and cultivate a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling.

In the coming weeks, we will explore Maimonides' teachings on various aspects of daily human behavior, including humility, anger, joy, eating, sleeping, intimacy, and more. Each sermon will explore how we can embody the principles of the middle path in our lives today.

I invite you to join me on this enlightening journey into the wisdom of Maimonides and reflect on how we can embody the golden mean in our own lives as Jews.

Looking forward to seeing you all at shul!

Rabbi Bradley Tecktiel