The Rambam is known for his independent streak – he couldn’t have made such an impact without one – but he had his critics, the harshest of whom was the Ravad of Provence. Rabbi Wein examines their different views on a wide range of issues: science and philosophy, allegory in the Torah, and the right to challenge sages of previous generations. Neither man minced any words in this famous dispute, and Rabbi Wein brings out all their fire in this fascinating lecture.

• Should the Torah always be read literally?
• the Raavad’s fighting words
• the Gaonim versus the Rishonim
• the burning of the Rambam’s books