Maimonides, Abarbanel, and Cognitive Dissonance Isaac Abarbanel, a highly intelligent fifteenth and sixteenth century Bible Commentator, used his introduction to the biblical book Amos to express his difference with Maimonides on the issue of prophecy. Abarbanel insisted that the view about prophecy held by most people, that prophecy is miraculous, is correct, [...]
An unusual, sometime bizarre, but interesting interpreter Isaac ben Judah Abarbanel (also spelled Abravanel, 1437-1508) was a Portuguese Jewish statesman, Bible commentator, advisor to kings, and a wealthy financier. His many Bible commentaries generally begin with incisive questions. He was a clear thinker, but opposed philosophy and the rationalism of Maimonides, although [...]
Chapter 18 Part two Abarbanel’s problematical interpretations Abarbanel had many ideas that would bother modern people. He supposed, like Rashi, Nachmanides, and others that God is involved in everything that occurs in this world and sometimes manipulates people, like puppets, to do the divine will. Even grass does not [...]
Tazria Abarbanel’s interpretation of the Naaman tale[1] Shabbat and holiday synagogue Torah readings are followed by a recitation from one of the books of the prophets. The reading is called haphtarah or haphtarot in the plural. The name means conclusion,” and is so called because it follows and ends the Torah [...]
