Rambam Class: Forbidden Sex and Circumcision

Preparation for this Class:
This class will continue with a focus on the Rambam's theory of forbidden sexual activity. The text is the Guide for the Perplexed: Section III chapter 49 (The link to the text is at the bottom of the post). Read from paragraph 13 to the end of the chapter. Below are some study questions. After each question, I will list the paragraph number where you can find the answer.

1. What is the purpose of circumcision? (the men are not going to be too happy with this one!!) (13 - 15)
2. Why is circumcision done during childhood? (16)
3. How does halakha define a "bastard"?
4. Why is a bastard not allowed to marry other jews? (19)
5. How does rambam account for the fact that he cannot give a reason for every single mitzvah? (21)

Click Here to Listen to the Lecture

Click Here to see the source sheet