What determines whether someone is called "righteous" or "wicked"?
The Rambam describes a cosmic scale: more merits = righteous, more sins = wicked, equal = intermediate (beinoni). But the weight of individual actions also matters, not just quantity.
Question 2
What is the Rambam's explanation of the shofar's meaning?
The Rambam interprets the shofar as having deep practical meaning: it's a call to wake up from spiritual slumber, examine your deeds, and repent before the judgment is sealed.
Question 3
What happens if someone regretsthe merits they earned, wishing they hadn't done those mitzvot?
The Rambam rules: regretting past mitzvot and wishing you hadn't done them — those merits are erased from your account. Retroactive rejection nullifies past good.
Question 4
Which theological denial is listed among those who lose their portion in the World to Come?
The Rambam lists denying the divine origin of Torah as one of the fundamental denials that severs a person's connection to the World to Come.
Question 5
Can someone in the 24 "excluded" categories do Teshuvah?
The Rambam explicitly says these 24 categories don't block Teshuvah entirely — they just make it harder. Genuine Teshuvah remains open even for those who denied the fundamentals.