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Principles of the Jewish Faith


Question:

What are Judaism's main beliefs?



AskTheRabbi.org answered:

Writing in the 12th century, Maimonides was the first Jewish scholar to systematically list and explain the principles of Jewish belief. His "Thirteen Ikarim, Principles of Faith" became the most authoratative formulation. They have been studied ever since in Jewish communities around the world. The first five principles concern the existence of God and beliefs about His nature. The next four are beliefs about God's relationship and communication with the world and the Revelation of Torah, and the last four speak of reward, punishment and humanity's destiny.

Below is a brief list of the principles. In order to provide more detailed explanations we plan to expand on the meaning of these principles on our Gateways Ask the Rabbi site – “Just Ask!” - http://asktherabbi.org/justasked.asp

1. The Existence of God

2. The Unity of God

3. God is not Corporeal

4. The Eternity of God

5. Devotion to God

6. The Existence of Prophecy

7. The Prophecy of Moses

8. Torah from Heaven

9. The Eternity of Torah

10. God's Omniscience

11. Reward and Punishment

12. The Days of the Messiah

13. Resurrection


 
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