A text-based class on parts of Igeres Hashmad, the Letter about Conversion, by the Rambam. In the 11^th century, the community of Morocco was reeling from the radical persecutions of the Almohad Moslems, who demanded that Jews leave, convert, or die. This led many people to practice Judaism secretly, the predecessors of the famous Marranos. They rationalized their public adherence to Islam by saying that Islam is not idol worship.

However, a certain sage wrote to them and said that they are all idol worshippers who are constantly transgressing the Torah, and they will therefore not receive reward for their Mitzvos done in secret. Additionally, he declared that anyone who even says that Mohammed is a true prophet is considered a denier of God’s existence. This made many people decide to completely abandon their Judaism. The Rambam was furious about this sage’s remarks.