Rambam And Ramban Similarities

Both Rambam and Ramban lived similar lives. While today they are prized for their Jewish commentary as scholars, they both needed to hide their Jewish practices. In turn, they needed a legitimate source of income and adapted to secular practices. Coincidentally, they used their innate intelligence to become physicians, allowing them to accumulate a source of income and secular reputation. However, Ramban spoke out to defend the Jews openly, while Rambam stayed silent and fled from Spain instead; Ramban represented the Jewish people of Spain to defend the practice of Judaism before Christians who disputed Jewish principles, but Rambam covered up his Judaism by outwardly practicing Islam to protect himself. Rudolf and Saladin both share similar
For example, Ramban, who lived during a time of extreme Jewish persecution, stood up for what he believed in and remained steadfast to his ideals. Although Christians disputed Jewish principles, Ramban, on behalf of the Jews, sought to disprove the Christian’s negation of Judaism. In this argument, Ramban was a minority, yet he ultimately reigned victories in some argument because of his persistence. Overarchingly, although the Jews were persecuted and faced imminent danger, many continued to practice Judaism in secret, allowing Judaism to persist covertly and eventually openly. Additionally, the lesson of adaption proves essential in the study of Jewish history. When Jews like Joseph Nasi and Ramban adapted to secular practices, they were able to ally closely with important figures. Joseph Nasi allied with Suleiman, which allowed him to continue practice Judaism. In fact, his working under Suleiman likely proved to the sultan that Jews were not as horrible and detrimental as other groups portrayed them. However, adaptation must occur within limits, meaning that one cannot lose sight of their Jewish identity; although Joseph Nasi, along with many other figures, lived a secular life, he still practiced Judaism and maintained a spiritual connection that allowed Judaism to continue on through the
Rashi and Rambam, along with other scholars, commentated on Biblical texts, which allowed for further interpretation of Judaism. In turn, they published many written commentaries, spreading their work across the globe. This work resulted in the thriving of Jewish life because Jews were not limited to hearing the work of those in their community. Studying Jewish text became popularized and now possessed new insight. Besides the theological and spiritual interpretation that helped Jewish life thrive, these medieval thinkers created a new structure in studying Jewish text. Ramban revolutionized the structure of Jewish study by inspiring other rabbis to follow his system; he would comment on a specific sections of the Talmud and curating short works, resulting in an organized format of commentary rather than extremely long and disorganized work. This organization allowed Jewish study to thrive when Jews were traveling and fleeing all across the