Torah for the Nations

Torah for the Nations: Judaism 101

1. The Thirteen Principles of Faith

The fundamental principles of Torah faith were compiled by the outstanding sage and codifier of Torah law, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (also known as "Maimonides" or "The Rambam" c. 1135-1204). Many Jewish congregations customarily recite the Thirteen Principles of Faith every day after the morning prayers.

1. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is the Creator and Ruler of all created beings, and that He alone made, makes, and will make all that is created.

2. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is a Unity, and there is no Unity like Him in any way, and He alone is our God, who was, who is, and who always will be.

3. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is not a material body and is not affected by physical phenomena, and nothing whatever can compare with Him.

4. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, is the first and the last.

5. I believe with complete faith that only to the Creator, blessed be His name, is it fitting to pray, and it is not fitting to pray to any other beside Him.

6. I believe with complete faith that all the words of the prophets are true.

7. I believe with complete faith that the prophesy of Moses our teacher, peace be upon him, was true and that he was the father of all the prophets, both those that came before him and those came after him.

8. I believe with complete faith that the entire Torah as we have it now in our hands is what was given to Moses, peace be upon him.

9. I believe with complete faith that this Torah shall never be changed nor shall there ever be any other Torah from the Creator, blessed be His name.

10, I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, knows all people's deeds and all their thoughts, as it it written: "It is He that fashions their hearts together and He understands all their deeds" (Psalms 33:15).

11. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, rewards those who keep His commandments and punishes those who violate His commandnents.

12. I believe with complete faith in the coming of the Messiah, and even though he may be delayed, nevertheless I anticipate every day that he will come.

13. I believe with complete faith that the resurrection of the dead will occur at the time when the Creator, blessed be His name, shall desire — let His Name be exalted forever and to all eternity