Brief History
Rambam (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon) was born in Cordova, Spain, on the 14th of Nissan, 4895 (1135). In addition to his fame as an outstanding Jewish leader and sage, esteemed by rulers and a top physician in his days, Rambam authored many important and unparalleled Torah works.
- Mishneh Torah – codified all of Jewish law.
- The Thirteen Principles of Faith.
- Pirush HaMishnayos – Commentary to the Mishnah.
- Sefer HaMitzvos – Listing the 613 Commandments with their Scriptural sources.
- Moreh Nevuchim – Guide to the Perplexed.
In 5744 (1984), the Rebbe initiated a daily study cycle of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, which enables the reader to have a basic knowledge of all the Torah’s laws, or Sefer HaMitzvos, outlining all of the Torah’s commandments. The goal of this project is to bring the entire Torah within the reach of each Jew.
Promote Daily Study of Rambam
On Rambam’s birthday, we should first and foremost seize the opportunity to promote the daily study cycles of Rambam. These cycles are graded according to ability: Preferably, one should study three chapters of Mishneh Torah a day; or, if that is not feasible, he should study one chapter a day; or if this too is not possible, there is the daily study of Sefer HaMitzvos.
Spread Judaism Everywhere
We should utilize this auspicious day, when Rambam’s mazal (the supernal source of his soul) is most effective, to generate a great “clamor” in a holy sense. That is, our goal should be to further increase all aspects of Judaism – Torah and mitzvos – in each location. In addition to promoting the study of all other Torah works, we should place particular emphasis on the study of Rambam.
Farbrengen Close to Erev Pesach
We should hold a farbrengen in an atmosphere charged with the joy that stems from Judaism – Torah and mitzvos. The farbrengen should draw the participation of many men, women, and children.
Clearly, Erev Pesach is not a conducive time for large gatherings. We should therefore hold the farbrengen in proximity to Erev Pesach.
However, since the farbrengen will not be held on the date of the birthday itself, we should put a far greater effort into promoting it.
Birthday of a Leader of Jewry
Earlier (see above in the section on 11 Adar entitled “Birthdays”), we discussed the Birthday Customs that we propose each Jew observe on his or her own birthday. They include making positive resolutions to increase in all areas of Judaism – Torah and mitzvos – amid a joyful farbrengen, and so on. We should certainly conduct ourselves thus – and with even greater energy – on the birthdays of tzaddikim and leaders of Jewry.
Needless to say, this includes the birthday of Rambam on Erev Pesach, the day when his mazal is at the peak of its strength. We should therefore utilize this auspicious occasion through holding great gatherings at a time which best fits local conditions and the like – either on Erev Pesach itself or on an adjoining date.
Wrong Date Requires Extra Boost
In a manner similar to the reading of the Megillah on Purim, the law stipulates that, “When reading the Megillah on the correct date, even an individual can read it on his own and thus fulfill his obligation. However, when reading it on a different date (as explained in the laws of Purim), then it requires a minyan of ten Jews.”
