What are the 13 principles in Judaism?

The 13 Principles of Faith were first set out by Maimonides in his commentary on the Mishnah, specifically in his introduction to the tenth chapter of Tractate Sanhedrin, known as “Perek Helek.” Living in twelfth-century Egypt, Maimonides was both a towering legal authority and a philosopher who sought to reconcile traditional Jewish thought with reason.

He believed that articulating the essential beliefs of Judaism would provide clarity and unity for Jews, especially during an era of religious confusion and external pressures. The 13 Principles were later incorporated into Jewish liturgy in the form of the poetic “Ani Ma’amin” (“I believe”) and the hymn “Yigdal,” both of which are recited in many synagogues to this day.

Why 13 Principles?

Maimonides’ selection of thirteen core beliefs was not random. He drew upon the Torah and rabbinic tradition, choosing principles that he felt were fundamental to the Jewish understanding of God, revelation, prophecy, and redemption. While some earlier authorities outlined fewer or more beliefs, Maimonides’ formulation has had the most significant and lasting impact, shaping Jewish self-understanding for centuries.

Principle 1: The Existence of God

The first principle affirms the existence of the Creator, who is perfect in every way and the cause of all that exists. This belief is foundational: Judaism is a monotheistic faith, and the belief in one, unique, and eternal God is at its heart. God is the source of all being, and nothing exists independently of God’s will.

Principle 2: God’s Unity

The second principle asserts the absolute unity and singularity of God. Unlike other ancient religions that posited a pantheon of gods or divine emanations, Judaism insists that God is one, indivisible, and without partners or divisions. This unity is expressed in the Shema, the central prayer of Jewish faith: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.”

Principle 3: God’s Incorporeality

In his third principle, Maimonides declares that God is not physical and cannot be represented in any form. God is entirely spiritual, transcending all material existence. Any attempt to ascribe bodily attributes to God is seen as a misunderstanding of the divine nature.

Principle 4: God’s Eternity

The fourth principle states that God is eternal—without beginning or end. God existed before anything else came into being and will exist forever. This principle highlights the difference between the Creator and all created things, whose existence is finite.

Principle 5: Worship of God Alone

The fifth principle teaches that only God is worthy of worship, prayer, and adoration. Jews are strictly forbidden to worship any other being, force, or object, whether angels, stars, or idols. This principle underlines Judaism’s uncompromising monotheism and rejects all forms of idolatry.

Principle 6: Prophecy

The sixth principle affirms the reality of prophecy. God communicates with humanity through chosen individuals known as prophets. These prophets are not magicians or fortune-tellers but are people of great spiritual and moral stature who serve as God’s messengers, guiding the people and instructing them in God’s will.

Principle 7: The Prophecy of Moses

Building on the previous principle, the seventh principle asserts that Moses was the greatest of all prophets, surpassing all others in his closeness to God and the clarity of his revelations. According to Maimonides, Moses’ prophecy was unique because he spoke with God “face to face,” without intermediaries or riddles, making his teachings the most authoritative.

Principle 8: The Divine Origin of the Torah

The eighth principle proclaims that the Torah—the Five Books of Moses—was given by God to Moses. Every word and letter of the Torah is divine, and it is not a human invention or product of its time. The Torah represents God’s direct communication with the Jewish people.

Principle 9: The Immutability of the Torah

Closely related to the eighth, the ninth principle maintains that the Torah will never be changed, supplemented, or replaced. No one has the authority to add to or subtract from its commandments. This principle guards against the idea that new revelations or changing circumstances could nullify the Torah’s teachings.

Principle 10: God’s Omniscience

The tenth principle affirms that God knows all that happens in the world, including the thoughts and deeds of every person. God’s knowledge is not limited or partial; nothing is hidden from the divine. This belief underscores the relationship between God and humanity, assuring that human actions matter and are observed by God.

Principle 11: Reward and Punishment

According to the eleventh principle, God rewards those who fulfill the commandments and punishes those who transgress them. This system of reward and punishment is not always immediately apparent, but it forms the moral framework of Jewish belief, emphasizing accountability and justice.

Principle 12: The Coming of the Messiah

The twelfth principle affirms the future coming of the Messiah (Mashiach), a divinely appointed leader who will restore Israel, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and usher in an era of peace and justice. Maimonides emphasizes that Jews must await the Messiah’s arrival and never despair of redemption, regardless of how long it takes.

Principle 13: The Resurrection of the Dead

The final principle declares the belief in the resurrection of the dead at a time of God’s choosing. This doctrine affirms the ultimate triumph of life, justice, and God’s power over death. The resurrection is seen as a future event associated with the Messianic era and the restoration of the righteous.

The 13 Principles in Jewish Life

While Maimonides’ 13 Principles are not universally binding in the way that creeds are in some other faiths, they have become central to Jewish education, liturgy, and identity. The “Ani Ma’amin” statement—often sung in times of joy as well as in moments of tragedy—expresses the enduring hope and faith of the Jewish people. The hymn “Yigdal” poetically summarizes the 13 Principles and is recited in many synagogue services.

Some Jewish thinkers and communities, such as the rationalist philosopher Hasdai Crescas or the mystical Kabbalists, have critiqued or expanded on Maimonides’ list. Nevertheless, the 13 Principles remain a powerful summary of what it means to believe and belong in the Jewish tradition.