Torah Maps
Creative 2020 / Finalists
Torah Mapping
It is a well known concept within Chassidut that sight has an advantage over hearing; there are abundant sources within the writings and Torah’s of all the Rebbayim, but for brevity I bring just a few sources from Maimorim of the Rebbe on this subject.
In the Maimor from Parsht Mikeitz (Zote Chanukah) 5743, in relation to the anointment of the alter after the Chashmonim’s victory over the Hellenists, the idea is discussed that a final adjudication of a Torah law emanates from level of Chochmah which relates to sight…
In the Maimor from Parsht Vayachi (10th Tevet) 5738, in relation to the format of prayer / Kriat Shemah, the idea of service of Hashem by Reuven is characterised by the love which is engendered by closeness a likened to sight…
In the Maimor from Parsht T’zaveh (14th Adar Rishon) 5741, in relation to the “Mazel” of a person seeing G-dliness, the idea that the absolute truthfulness of something is apprehended after having witnessed it by sight…
It is with this axiom I present the following:
My project is a visual subject guide to the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah which takes the form of a map / chart.
Being inspired by the structure and “inherent” organisation of Torah Law revealed by the Rambam in his Mishneh Torah, in which subjects are presented in related groups and sets, I have organise these in a “graphic” and spatial way, and using the map as a metaphor or “Moshal” to describe this structure. I have endeavoured to maintain fully this metaphor at every level in order to raise the visual experience from what could be, a dry and functional diagrammatic representation of facts, to a more interesting, engaging and thought provoking experience.
At the present state the project is comprised of 2 levels of detail.
- An overview of the complete 14 books of the Mishneh Torah including the 83 Laws; see attached PDF entitled “TM OVERVIEW RASTER”
- 3 (of a potential of 83) maps showing in more detail Books of the Mishneh Torah and the Mizvot pertaining to that book and Laws and chapters within each of those books; see 3 attached PDF’s entitled “TM AHAVA RASTER”, “TM AVODAH RASTER” “TM ZMANIM RASTER”
These maps can be used in a number of ways;
- As an educational tool; It will appeal to children (of above 12) and can be mounted in classrooms; Teachers will be able to show how the Mitzvot, laws and subjects relate to each other in a visual and even “spatial” way; Yehiva students can use the maps at quick reference guides the the subject matter of the Mishneh Torah.
- Attractive wall maps / posters; anyone who has an have an eye for detail and design. It is a work of visual art that is also engaging intellectually.
- Bases for a 2 or 3 dimensional interactive computer model which can be updated and amended by the user.