JudaismJudaismWhat do Jews Believe?What do Jews Believe?

The BasicsThe Basics

Judaism has no dogma.Judaism has no dogma. Actions are far more important than Actions are far more important than

beliefs.beliefs. The closest anyone has come to a system The closest anyone has come to a system

of beliefs is Maimonides 13 Principles of of beliefs is Maimonides 13 Principles of Faith.Faith.– He believed that they were the “Basic He believed that they were the “Basic

Requirements” for a being a Jew.Requirements” for a being a Jew.

Maimonides’ 13 Principles of FaithMaimonides’ 13 Principles of Faith

1.1. God exists God exists 2.2. God is one and unique God is one and unique 3.3. God is incorporeal God is incorporeal 4.4. God is eternal God is eternal 5.5. Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and

to no other to no other 6.6. The words of the prophets are true The words of the prophets are true

1.1. Moses' prophecies are true, and Moses was the Moses' prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophetsgreatest of the prophets

2.2. The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral Torah (teachings now contained in and Oral Torah (teachings now contained in the Talmud and other writings) were given to the Talmud and other writings) were given to Moses Moses

3.3. There will be no other Torah There will be no other Torah 4.4. God knows the thoughts and deeds of men God knows the thoughts and deeds of men 5.5. God will reward the good and punish the God will reward the good and punish the

wicked wicked 6.6. The Messiah will come The Messiah will come 7.7. The dead will be resurrectedThe dead will be resurrected

Maimonides’ 13 Principles of FaithMaimonides’ 13 Principles of Faith

RelationshipsRelationships

Judaism focuses on RelationshipsJudaism focuses on Relationships The relationship between God and The relationship between God and

mankindmankind Between God and the Jewish people Between God and the Jewish people Between the Jewish people and the land Between the Jewish people and the land

of Israelof Israel Between human beings. Between human beings.

MaimonidesMaimonides

Moses MaimonidesMoses Maimonides– (3/30, 1135 – 12/13, 1204)(3/30, 1135 – 12/13, 1204)

Jewish rabbi, physician, Jewish rabbi, physician, and philosopherand philosopher

His works and his views His works and his views are considered a are considered a cornerstone of Jewish cornerstone of Jewish thought and study.thought and study.

Lived in Spain.Lived in Spain. Influenced Non-Jewish Influenced Non-Jewish

world with Jewish world with Jewish Thought.Thought.