Medieval Jewish philosopher, medical doctor, author (medicine, philosophy, legal) and expert on the Hebrew Bible and Talmud, Maimonides is one of the most imfluential thinkers on modern Judaism. His most famous work is probably Guide of the Perplexed—written in respond to a letter asking how one could reconcile one's commitment to the Torah and Jewish tradition on the one hand and to reason and science on the other—has been translated in many languages, and continues to be widely read today.
Also known as Rambam (short for Rabbi Moses ben Maimon), Maimonides was born in Cordoba (modern Spain) and lived a life of relative ease due to the success of his brother, a highly successive merchant. From an early age, Maimon developed a keen interest in the sciences (especially astronomy) and philosophy. A change of Islamic regime in Iberia (Spain) led to his family into exile, moving to Morocco, Palestine, before settling in Fustat, Cairo, in the rival Islamic regime of Egypt. Appointed physician to the Grand Vizier at the court in Egypt in the time of Saladin, he also became a highly respected leader and judge (nagid)of the Jewish community not just in Egypt but among the broader Jewish diaspora and among the Muslims as well. He died in Fustat on 12 December 1204. Where he is buried remains a debate. According to one tradition his body was first buried in Fustat but was, following his wishes, he was later re-interned in Tiberias (a major draw for Jews even today). According to another, he remained buried in Egypt. His only surviving son carried on the great tradition he left behind and the office of nagid until the end of the 14th Cent.
Read more on Maimonides in the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
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