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Philosophical exposition of the principles of Judaism. Shevilei Emunah is an ethical work designed to strengthen belief, and defend against the skepticism of philosophy, in an age when “people are lost in darkness.” The book is divided into ten primary netivot (paths, chapters), namely, 1) faith in the Creator, His unity and incorporeality, and a discussion of His names, with kabbalistic examples; 2) the creation of the world, the spheres, climates, and the immutability of God; 3) the forming of man and his partner (Eve), and procreation; 4) human embryology, anatomy and pathology; 5) conduct leading to longevity; 6) the nature of the soul; 7) elevation of the soul through the observance of the Torah and its commandments; 8) belief in the Oral Law and its unbroken transmission from Moses; 9) reward and punishment; and 10) the redemption of Israel and resurrection. There are approbations and an introduction from R. Alabi.
R. Meir ben Isaac Aldabi (aben Aldabi Sefardi, c. 1310-after 1360), was a grandson, on his mother’s side, of R. Asher ben Jehiel (Rosh), whom he frequently references. Aldabi was well educated in the scientific, philosophical, and theological ideas of the time, in addition to having received a thorough rabbinic education, supplemented by a deep interest in Kabbalistic studies. It is believed that Aldabi left Toledo in 1348 for Jerusalem, where he wrote Shevilei Emunah (Paths of Faith), completing it in 1360.
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