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Why does the Rambam (רמב"ם) place Bris Milah in Sefer Ahavah alongside tefillah and Keriat Shema? The shiur develops the principle that milah teaches us to channel the yetzer hara rather than destroy it. True ahavah means giving our whole selves - including our drives and desires - to Hashem (ה׳)'s service.
This shiur examines a fascinating question about the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s Mishneh Torah (תורה): why does Bris Milah appear in Sefer Ahavah alongside mitzvos like tefillah and Keriat Shema? The Rambam explains that milah prevents excessive indulgence in physical pleasures, teaching that the goal isn't to be pleasure-seeking but to use pleasure appropriately. The discussion delves into why the Jewish people didn't perform Bris Milah during the 40 years in the desert, while Shevet Levi continued the practice. The Gemara (גמרא) states it was dangerous due to the absence of ruach tzefonah (north wind) needed for healing. Yet some Leviim died from milah, raising the question of whether they were acting improperly.
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Rambam Mishneh Torah, Sefer Ahavah
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Why does the Rambam say Bris Milah reduces physical desire rather than creating a test to overcome? The Rambam's approach transforms the nature of intimacy itself - removing orlah eliminates self-focused gratification and creates the capacity to empower others. This explains why Jewish marriage is fundamentally about partnership and building eternity, not mere compatibility or control.
