Q&A: The Meaning of the Term “Words of the Scribes” in Maimonides
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
The Meaning of the Term “Words of the Scribes” in Maimonides
Question
I would appreciate it if you could point me to sources in his writings on this issue (if you have indeed discussed it).
Answer
There is a kind of myth according to which there is a distinction in Maimonides’ terminology between “rabbinic” and “words of the Scribes.” That is a baseless invention. It is simply an unsuccessful translation from Arabic. As for his actual classification between rabbinic and Torah-level law, see the book Ruach HaMishpat and the book Yishlach Sharshav, in the article on the second root.