Author Description

Shows that for Maimonides (medieval Jewish philosopher) prayer as a pure act of worship is essential. Benor's study offers a systematic Aristotelian account of Maimonides' philosophy of religion that reconciles the ideals of rabbinic Judaism with the sensibilities of a medieval Jewish philosopher, coherently unifies his work, and shows where Maimonides' uncompromising radicalism presents enduring and challenging insights to the history and the philosophy of religion. Worship of the Heart explores Maimonides' contribution to the understanding of prayer, examining it against the background of two contrasting notions-dialogue and contemplation. The author argues that Maimonides integrates fundamental elements of these conceptions with his own insights to forge a mediating conception of prayer-a conception as constitutive of a world view.