Machshava:

Mitzvot,  Rambam,  Texts 

Personalities:

Rambam 

Collections: Rabbi Teitcher Moreh Nevuchim

Description

Fourth in a series entitled, "Rhyme and Reason: Mitzvot in Moreh Nevuchim." This week, we discuss the Rambam's understanding of the chok-mishpat distinction, and look at some key examples, including the mitzvah of shaatnez. What is the source for the concepts of chok and mishpat? Are they objectively different, or merely subjective categories? Are there any practical consequences to defining a mitzvah as one or the other?