Download SECTION 2.3 Rambam and 13 Principles of Faith

Topic
2.3
The
Principles
Description of Topic
Thirteen The origin, content and
significance
of
the
Maimonides’
Thirteen
Principles of Faith
Learning Outcomes
Briefly explain the origin,
content and significance
of the Thirteen Principles
RAMBAM (MAIMONIDES): Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon
(1135-1204)
Salaam aleikum! (That’s the Arabic equivalent of ‘Shalom aleikum!’)
My name is Moshe ben Maimon. I’m also known as Maimonides or the RaMBaM,
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon. I was born in Spain but I don’t speak Spanish. My
birthplace, Cordoba, in the south of the country, is part of the Muslim Empire, so
I speak Arabic. The Muslims crossed the Straits of Gibraltar from Northern
Africa a few hundred years ago and conquered the southern half of the Iberian
Peninsula.
Life for the Jews took a turn for the better after the Muslims took over. Whilst
the Christians discriminated against us in just about every possible way –
because of their hatred of us – the Muslims viewed and treated us much more
favourably, even as equals. Under Muslim rule, Jewish life flourished in all its
aspects: scholarship, music, science, art, and many other areas. Jewish people
held positions in all levels of society, including at the royal court.
Lately, however, a different group of Muslims has taken control Al Andalus
(Spain). They’re much stricter in their interpretation of Islam than the previous
rulers and have made it difficult to live here as Jews. I overheard my parents
discussing the situation and we had to leave. We’ve had to move a few times: to
Morocco, Israel and Egypt.
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I’m a physician to princes and Sultans and I find time passes very quickly when
I’m attending to the medical needs of so many. In between my busy work, I
manage to get time to write extensively on matters of medicine, science,
philosophy and ethics. Sometimes I can be really exhausted and my health is
poor. Others tell me that I need to take it easy. One of the most significant things
I have written (so they tell me anyway!) is the Mishneh Torah which, mainly,
has to do with Jewish Law and Ethics. Also, I’ve written a commentary on the
Mishnah which contains the 13 Principles of Faith, that is, what I consider the
required beliefs of Judaism. It’s a handy way to be able to explain briefly what is
most important in Judaism because, as you know, there are many volumes
written on the subject. And I’m a philosopher, too; that comes from my interest
in the Greek philosophical thinkers like Aristotle. My philosophical work ‘Guide
to the Perplexed’ is one that would be fairly well known.
For a time, my brother, David, supported me so I could concentrate on my
writings. But he was killed tragically in a drowning accident off the coast of
India. I felt his loss so much, I was paralysed with grief.
So, as you can see, my interests are wide and varied… Woops! there’s a knock at
the door… I’m going to have to leave. Another patient needs medical attention.
Excuse me for now! It’s been nice to be able to tell you a little about me.
Exercise
1. What is Maimonides’s full name?
2. What influence did Maimonides’s Islamic environment have on how he
was in the world?
3. What were his key contributions to Judaism?
4. How has his influence continued to the present day?
THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH: MAIMONIDES
Maimonides, in his commentary on the Mishnah, compiles what he refers to as the
Shloshah-Asar Ikkarim, the Thirteen Articles of Faith, compiled from Judaism's 613
commandments found in the Torah.
Source: Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides or Rambam) 1135-1204 CE; in his
commentary on the Mishnah (tractate Sanhedrin, chapter 10).
1. I believe with complete faith that G-d, Blessed be His Name, is the Creator
and Guide of everything that has been created; He alone has made, does
make, and will make all things.
2. I believe with complete faith G-d, Blessed be His Name, is One, and that
there is no unity in any manner like His, and that He alone is our G-d,
who was, is, and will be.
3. I believe with complete faith that G-d, Blessed be His Name, has no body,
and that He does not have the properties of living creatures, and that he
has no form whatsoever.
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4. I believe with complete faith that G-d, Blessed be His Name, is the first and
the last.
5. I believe with complete faith that G-d, Blessed be His Name, is the only one
to whom it is right to pray, and that it is not right to pray to any being
besides Him.
6. I believe with complete faith that all the words of the prophets are true.
7. I believe with complete faith that the prophecy of Moses our teacher, peace
be upon him, was true, and that he was the chief of the prophets, both of
those who preceded and of those who followed him.
8. I believe with complete faith that the entirety of the Torah that is now in
our possession is the same that was given to Moses our teacher, peace
be upon him.
9. I believe with complete faith that this Torah will not be exchanged, and that
there will never be any other Torah from the Creator, Blessed be His
Name.
10.
I believe with complete faith that G-d, Blessed be His Name, knows all
the deeds of human beings and all their thoughts, as it is written, "It is
He who fashioned the hearts of them all, Who understands all their
actions".
11.
I believe with complete faith that G-d, Blessed be His Name, rewards
those who keep His commandments and punishes those who transgress
them.
12.
I believe with complete faith in the coming of the Moshiach (Messiah);
and even though he may tarry, nonetheless, I wait daily for his coming.
13.
I believe with complete faith that there will be a revival of the dead at
the time when it shall please the Creator, Blessed be His name, and His
mention shall be exalted for ever and ever.
It is the custom of many congregations to recite the Thirteen Articles, in a slightly
more poetic form, beginning with the words Ani Maamin - "I believe" - every day
after the morning prayers in the synagogue.
In his commentary on the Mishnah (Sanhedrin, chap. 10), Maimonides refers to
these thirteen principles of faith as "the fundamental truths of our religion and
its very foundations."
Exercise
1. Of the 13 statements above, which ones appeal most to you and why?
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2. In a world where faith is not seen as very important in life, what are the
difficulties in living these principles of faith?
3. In reference to No. 8 of the Principles, what is the position among the
different strands of Judaism in relation to the revelation to Moses on
Sinai? (i.e. Orthodox, Progressive, Conservative, Reconstructionist, etc.)
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