Jewish principles of faith

The formulation of principles of faith, universally recognized across all branches of Judaism remains undefined. There is no central authority in Judaism in existence today although the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious court, could fulfill this role for some if it were re-established. Instead, Jewish principles of faith remain debated by the rabbis based on their understanding of the sacred writings, laws, and traditions, which collectively shape its theological and ethical framework. The most accepted version in extent is the opinion of Maimonides.

The most important and influential version is the set of 13 principles composed by Maimonides.[1] He stressed the importance of believing that there is one single, omniscient, transcendent, non-corporeal, non-compound God who created the universe and continues to interact with his creation and judge souls' reward or punishment. Other principles include the future emergence of the Messiah, the resurrection of the dead, and the principle that God revealed his laws and 613 mitzvot to the Jewish people in the form of the Written and Oral Torahs.

  1. ^ Eli Gurfinkel, "The Discourse on Maimonides' Principles: Between Continuity and Change", Alei Sefer: Studies in Bibliography and in the History of the Printed and the Digital Hebrew Book (2011), pp.5-17

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