The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (29 page)

BOOK: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions
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, 2. 130).
Abraham, Apocalypse of
.
A literary work of the 2nd cent. CE. It tells the story of
Abraham's
visit to the seven heavens.
Abraham, Testament of
.
A book of unknown date containing the apocryphal story of the death of
Abraham
.
Abraham bar Hiyya
(d.
c.
1136).
Jewish Spanish philosopher and translator. He produced several works of philosophy, the best known of which are
Hegyon ha-Nefesh ha-Azuvah
(Meditation of the Sad Soul), the encyclopaedic
Yesodei ha-Tevunah u-Migdal ha-Emunah
(Foundation of Understanding and Tower of Faith), a book of astronomy
Hokhmat ha-Hizzayon
(Wisdom of the Revelation), and one on
astrology
,
Megillat ha-Megalleh
(Scroll of the Revealer).
Abraham ben David of Posquières
(
c.
1125–98 CE
,
also known as Rabad
). Jewish French
Talmudist
. His criticism of
Maimonides'
Mishneh Torah
(especially for not giving sources or explanations, and for the very tendency to codify) established his reputation, and his most famous work, the
Ba‘alei ha Nefesh
(Masters of the Soul) discussed the laws related to
women
.
Abraham ben Moses ben Maimon
(1186–1237 CE).
Leader of Egyptian Jewry, philosopher, and son of
Maimonides
. He introduced various new ritual practices, influenced by the Muslim
S
f
s
, and therefore aroused strong opposition. He defended his father's works in various publications and produced an encyclopaedic work on Judaism entitled
Kifayat al-Abidin
(Comprehensive Guide for the Servants of God).

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