Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, also known as Rambam, 1138–1204) gives a comprehensive guide to proper Jewish behavior in his works, especially in his Mishneh Torah, Eight Chapters (Introduction to Pirkei Avot), and Guide for the Perplexed.
He sees proper behavior not just as a matter of law (halakha) but as a path to intellectual, moral, and spiritual perfection. Below is a detailed summary of how a Jew should behave according to Maimonides, organized by themes:
1. The Goal of Life
Maimonides teaches that the purpose of human life is to know God and live in accordance with reason and Torah.
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In Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah (Laws of the Foundations of Torah, 2:2), he says:
“When a person contemplates God’s works and sees His wisdom, he is immediately filled with love for Him and a desire to know Him.”
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Knowledge of God leads to proper ethical behavior and closeness to Him.
2. The “Golden Mean” – Balanced Behavior
One of Maimonides’ central teachings is the doctrine of the Middle Path (Shvil HaZahav), derived from Aristotle but deeply rooted in Torah ethics.
Principle: Avoid Extremes
In Hilchot De’ot (Laws of Personal Development, ch. 1–2), he writes:
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A Jew should not be overly angry, greedy, arrogant, indulgent, ascetic, or lazy.
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Instead, one should balance all traits:
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Courage, but not recklessness
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Humility, but not self-neglect
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Joy, but not hedonism
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Generosity, but not poverty by self-deprivation
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“The straight path is the middle path in every trait… this is the way of the wise.”
Exception: Maimonides says some negative traits (e.g., arrogance, anger) are so harmful that one should lean toward the opposite extreme to uproot them.
3. Relationship with God
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Love and Awe: In Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:1–2, Maimonides says we must love God through studying creation and Torah, and fear Him by realizing our smallness before Him.
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Serving God in All Actions: In Hilchot De’ot 3:3:
“A person’s eating, drinking, and sexual relations should not be for pleasure but to maintain health, so that he can serve God.”
This means that even mundane acts become holy when done with proper intention (kavanah). -
Prayer and Reflection: In Hilchot Tefillah, he emphasizes praying with concentration, sincerity, and understanding, not mere recitation.
4. Interpersonal Ethics
Maimonides strongly emphasizes kindness, humility, and justice toward others.
A. Humility and Honor
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Avoid arrogance (ga’avah): “There is nothing worse than pride.” (Hilchot De’ot 2:3)
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Honor everyone, Jew and non-Jew alike.
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Speak gently and respectfully.
B. Acts of Kindness
In Hilchot De’ot 6:3:
“It is a positive commandment to love every Jew as yourself.”
This includes:
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Giving charity generously (tzedakah) — Maimonides ranks eight levels of charity, with the highest being helping someone become self-sufficient.
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Visiting the sick, comforting mourners, hosting guests, and burying the dead.
C. Avoiding Gossip and Harm
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Prohibits lashon hara (negative speech) and rechilut (spreading rumors).
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One must never embarrass others, especially in public — he compares public shaming to spilling blood.
5. Intellectual and Spiritual Development
For Maimonides, knowledge and wisdom are central to Jewish life.
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In Hilchot Talmud Torah, he stresses constant Torah study, but also study of science, philosophy, and medicine to understand God’s creation.
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He places the intellect above mere ritual:
“The perfection of the soul comes through intellectual perfection.” (Guide for the Perplexed III:27)
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Yet, Torah study always comes first — all other wisdom is secondary if it leads away from God.
6. Asceticism vs. Worldliness
Unlike some mystical traditions, Maimonides does not promote extreme asceticism:
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One should enjoy the world, but moderately.
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Wealth is not evil — as long as it’s used for mitzvot and helping others.
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Fasting and self-denial are discouraged unless needed for repentance or discipline.
7. Following the Commandments
Maimonides sees the mitzvot (commandments) as tools to refine character, strengthen society, and bring one closer to God:
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Ethical mitzvot: honesty, charity, respect for parents, compassion.
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Ritual mitzvot: Shabbat, kashrut, tefillin, etc. — all meant to discipline the soul.
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He insists that mitzvot must be performed with understanding. Doing them mechanically without intention misses their purpose.
8. Summary of Proper Jewish Conduct (Maimonides’ Formula)
A Jew, according to Maimonides, should:
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Live by the Golden Mean — balanced, moderate, self-disciplined.
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Pursue knowledge of God — through Torah, science, and philosophy.
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Serve God in all actions — elevate the mundane into the holy.
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Love others — act with compassion, humility, and kindness.
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Avoid anger, arrogance, gossip, and cruelty.
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Keep mitzvot with understanding and intention.
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Seek wisdom — intellectual perfection leads to closeness to God.
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