Jewish principles of faith

There is no established formulation of principles of faith that are recognized by all branches of Judaism. Central authority in Judaism is not vested in any person or group - although the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious court, would fulfill this role when it is re-established - but rather in Judaism's sacred writings, laws, and traditions.The various principles of faith that have been enumerated over the intervening centuries carry no weight other than that imparted to them by the fame and scholarship of their respective authors.Judaism affirms the existence and uniqueness of God and stresses performance of deeds or commandments alongside adherence to a strict belief system. In contrast to traditions such as Christianity which demand a more explicit identification of God, faith in Judaism requires one to honour God through a constant struggle with God's instructions (Torahs) and the practice of their mitzvoth.Orthodox Judaism has stressed a number of core principles in its educational programs, most importantly a belief that there is one single, omniscient, transcendent, non-compound God, who created the universe, and continues to be concerned with its governance. Traditional Judaism maintains that God established a covenant with the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, and revealed his laws and 613 commandments to them in the form of the Written and Oral Torah. In Rabbinic Judaism, the Torahs (Hebrew ""Toroth"") comprise both the written Torah (Pentateuch) and a tradition of oral law, much of it later codified in sacred writings (see: Mishna, Talmud).Traditionally, the practice of Judaism has been devoted to the study of Torah and observance of these laws and commandments. In normative Judaism, the Torah and hence Jewish law itself is unchanging, but interpretation of law is more open. It is considered a mitzvah (commandment) to study and understand the law.The proper counterpart for the general English term ""faith"" -as occurring in the expression ""principles of faith""- would be the concept of Emunah in Judaism. The concept of Emunah, while in general translated as faith or trust in God, is described as ""an innate conviction, a perception of truth that transcends (..) reason."" Emunah can be enhanced further by the help of wisdom, knowledge, understanding and learning of sacred Jewish writings. But Emunah is not simplistically based on reason nor can it be understood as an opposite or contrast to it.There are a number of basic principles that were formulated by medieval rabbinic authorities. These principles were put forth as fundamental underpinnings inherent in the ""acceptance and practice of Judaism.""