A LIST OF THE RAMBAM’S WORKS
This list of the Rambam’s works contains all compilations that the Rambam is known to have written, including those that we do not have. The list is in approximate chronological order, and includes a brief description of each work. Many of these works described here in brief, are discussed at length in further sections of this study guide.
Commentary on Talmud Bavli: This work, on most of the Talmud, was written before the Pirush HaMishnayos. Unfortunately, only small parts of it are extant today.
Commentary on Talmud Yerushalmi: The Rambam composed a short commentary on the Talmud Yerushalmi, similar to the commentary of the Rif, Rabbi Yitzchak Alfasi, on the Talmud Bavli. This style of commentary is written in the style of the Gemara, leaving out parts that are not Halachically relevant, with the addition of comments pertaining to the Halachic conclusion from the author. A few pages of this commentary have been published (New York, 1948). The Rambam wrote this commentary as well before writing Pirush HaMishnayos.
Pirush HaMishnayos (originally called Sefer Hamaor): Started by the Rambam at the young age of twenty-three, this work is a commentary blending the explanation of the Mishna with the practical Halacha directly derived from its teachings. (For more information, see Section 5 “Pirush HaMishnayos”.)
Iggeres Hashmad (Maamar Kidush Hashem): A letter which comforted and stabilized the Jews of Morocco at a time of great turmoil and persecution. For more information, see the section 8 on “Famous Letters of the Rambam”.
Iggeres Teiman (Petach Tikvah): Another letter whose words ended the confusion that reigned among the Jews of Yemen. For more information, see the section regarding “Famous Letters of the Rambam”.
Maamar Techiyas Hameisim: A letter written by the Rambam defending his understanding of the Techiyas HaMeisim (The Rising of the Dead) and the Afterlife. The letter was written when the Rambam was fifty-six. For more information on the Rambam’s view on Techiyas HaMeisim, see the end of section 5 “Pirush HaMishnayos”. 4