Basic Beliefs

In addition to the Ten Commandments, Maimonides Thirteen Principles of Faith gives an Orthodox interpretation of Judaism. These are:

1. There is a god.
2. There is only one god.
3. G-d has no predecessors or successors - he is eternal.
4. G-d has no physical manifestation - he is everywhere.
5. People are to pray to the One G-d and no other.
6. The words of all the Prophets are to be believed, although Moses takes precedence.
7. The Torah (5 books of Moses) and the Oral Law (now recorded in the Talmud) were given to Moses by G-d on Mount Sinai.
8. The Torah and Oral Law are G-d's words and are unchangeable. They will never be changed or replaced. The Torah is applicable at all times and in any situation.
9. The Jews (or Israelites) are G-d's Chosen People. They alone have been given a special set of commandments to obey.
10. G-d gave the Land of Israel to the Jews and all Jews should try to go and live there.
11. G-d knows the thoughts and deeds of all inhabitants of the Earth: he will reward the good and punish the wicked.
12. A Messiah will come to this world (but he has not yet done so). He will be a (human) descendant of King David.
13. After the Messiah has come, there will be a Judgement Day when all the people who have ever lived will be resurrected and judged. Those who are judged positively will reside with G-d in heaven.

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