Within the framework of the Perek Echad – Rambam project, the Italian shluchim of Chabad take turns presenting a daily, structured, and accessible study of the Mishneh Torah. This initiative allows the Italian-speaking public to connect with the depth of the Rambam, not only as a codifier of Halakhah, but as a guide to understanding creation, faith, and the nature of the human being.

The lesson summarized here completes Chapter 4 of Yesodei HaTorah, concluding a foundational cycle dedicated to the structure of the world and the unity of Hashem.

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The conclusion of a cycle of knowledge

After addressing in the previous chapters:

• Creation
• Created beings
• The unity of Hashem

the Rambam introduces in the fourth chapter an essential theme: the constitution of physical reality through the doctrine of the four elements — fire, air, water, and earth.

This chapter represents the culmination of a cycle connected to Maaseh Bereshit, the Work of Creation, offering a perspective on the Divine order embedded within nature.

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The four elements as the foundation of matter

According to the Rambam, all existence in the “lower world” — that is, beneath the lunar sphere — is composed through the combination of four fundamental elements:

🔥 Fire
🌬 Air
💧 Water
🌍 Earth

These elements are not presented as modern scientific categories, but as essential principles for understanding the structure of matter and its transformations.

Each element possesses defining qualities:

• Fire → hot, dry, light
• Air → warm, moist
• Water → cold, fluid
• Earth → cold, dry, heavy

From these properties arises their natural motion:

• Fire and air tend upward
• Water and earth tend downward

Not by will or consciousness, but by a nature established by Hashem.

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Matter and form: what we see and what we understand

The Rambam distinguishes between:

• Golem (matter / substance)
• Tzura (form / essence)

The human eye always perceives matter endowed with form. Pure forms, detached from matter, are not visible, yet they can be grasped through the intellect.

This principle leads to a profound realization: not everything that exists can be sensed. Many realities are known through wisdom and understanding, as revealed by Hashem and recognized by the human mind.

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Composition and the diversity of creation

All created beings — humans, animals, plants, minerals — share the same material basis, yet differ according to the proportions of the four elements.

Differences among bodies stem from relative dominance:

• Greater “fire” → lightness, warmth, dynamism
• Greater “earth” → heaviness, coldness, dryness

This idea applies also to the human body. Its natural warmth reflects the presence of the element of fire; a significant reduction indicates imbalance.

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Union, separation, and the cycle of matter

A central teaching of the chapter:

Everything that is composed tends to separate.

Elements unite, transform, and ultimately return to their roots. Even the most durable materials are subject to this process.

Transformations occur gradually:

• Earth → water
• Water → air
• Air → fire

And in reverse.

Yet no element disappears entirely. The permanence of the four elements is part of the order willed by Hashem.

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Cosmic motion and the order of existence

The transformation and composition of matter are connected to the movements of the celestial spheres, described as orbits or cosmic “wheels.” This dynamic sustains the continuous existence of the world.

Within this structure lies also the hierarchy of angelic levels, including the level of the Ishim, associated with prophecy and the shaping of form.

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The Image of Hashem in Man

Not a physical image

When the Torah declares:

“Let us make man in our image and likeness” (Genesis 1:26)

it does not refer to any physical resemblance.

Nor does it merely indicate the “living soul,” which animals also possess.

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The intellect as the Tzura of man

The “image” (Tzura) signifies the defining faculty of the human being:

The intellect.

It is the capacity to:

• Understand
• Discern
• Know
• Elevate oneself
• Perceive Hashem

Through this faculty, man can even conceive of beings without matter — the angels — and ascend spiritually.

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Nefesh and Ruach: precision of meaning

Terms such as Nefesh and Ruach carry multiple meanings depending on context:

• Nefesh → vital soul
• Nefesh → intellectual dimension
• Ruach → spirit / consciousness

The language of Torah requires careful interpretation.

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What Decays and What Endures

The body and the elements

The human body, composed of the four elements, decays and returns to the earth.

The Torah emphasizes earth as the dominant component.

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The intellect and the Divine soul

Unlike matter, the dimension of the intellect, associated with the Divine image, does not deteriorate like the elements.

Kohelet (Ecclesiastes 12:7):

• Dust returns to the earth
• The Divine soul returns to Hashem

Here referring to the higher dimension of the soul.

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A Caution from the Rambam

Profound and delicate subjects

The Rambam concludes with a call for caution:

• The first two chapters → exceedingly profound
• The third and fourth → more accessible yet delicate

Transmission must be gradual and responsible.

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The greatness of the Rambam’s synthesis

Despite addressing lofty concepts, the Rambam presents them with order and clarity, making them suitable for daily Perek Echad study.

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Contemplating Creation Leads to Love of Hashem

Reflection upon creation naturally awakens:

❤️ Ahavat Hashem
🌿 Yirat Hashem

Wonder, humility, and connection.

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The Five Fundamental Mitzvot

The Rambam teaches that these chapters guide us toward the five constant mitzvot:

1. To recognize Hashem
2. To reject other absolute realities
3. To understand His unity
4. To love Him
5. To revere Him

These chapters are called Pardes.

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First the foundation, then the Pardes

Before entering the inner dimensions of Torah, one must be grounded in:

🍞 Study of Halakhah
🕯 Observance of mitzvot

Ensuring balance and stability.

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Toward the Messianic Era

Through the dissemination of Chassidut, it has become possible to engage more deeply with the inner teachings of Torah as preparation for the Geulah.

In this journey, the daily study of Rambam holds a central place.

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🎥 Watch the full lesson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFMS8Yql5UA