Faith in God has always been central to the Jewish tradition. Long before creeds and theological statements became common, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon—known as Maimonides or the Rambam—outlined what he believed were the thirteen essential principles of Jewish belief. These principles have since become a spiritual foundation for millions, reminding every believer to walk with reverence, gratitude, and trust in the Eternal One.
As you read through these principles today, allow each truth to stir awe for God’s wisdom and compassion. Each statement is not just an idea to learn but an invitation to live out your faith with humility, purpose, and deep spiritual peace.
Why the 13 Jewish Principles Matter
The 13 Principles are timeless because they provide the scaffolding of spiritual conviction. They summarise who God is, how He interacts with the world, and what humanity’s place is in His design. Maimonides believed that to know God’s nature and trust His promises is to live in harmony with divine order.
Each principle also carries a profound moral dimension. To believe in God’s unity shapes our integrity. To trust in prophecy keeps us aligned with truth. Awaiting the Messiah renews our hope in redemption. The 13 Principles unite knowledge and devotion—teaching that true faith must transform how we live, not just what we say we believe.
How to Live the 13 Principles of Faith Today
Living these principles means walking in active remembrance. The Jewish believer is called to believe but also to embody—to reflect God’s holiness in daily acts of justice, compassion, and gratitude.
Meditate on one principle each day. Let it guide your prayer, your work, and your relationships. The spirit of Maimonides’ teaching is not abstract—it’s deeply practical. It calls you to live aware of God’s oneness, to trust His wisdom even when unseen, and to look forward to redemption with steadfast faith.
13 Jewish Principles of Faith – Understanding Maimonides, 12th October 2025
Meditate on one principle each day. Let it guide your prayer, your work, and your relationships. The spirit of Maimonides’ teaching is not abstract—it’s deeply practical. It calls you to live aware of God’s oneness, to trust His wisdom even when unseen, and to look forward to redemption with steadfast faith.
1. Belief in the Creator
“I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, created and governs all things.”
Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
To believe in the Creator is to rest in divine purpose. Every star, every breath, every heartbeat exists because God willed it so. Faith begins with gratitude for His creative power and ends with surrender to His perfect plan.
2. The Unity of God
“I believe that the Creator is One; there is no unity like His.”
Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
This truth calls for undivided devotion. God’s oneness means He cannot be divided, nor can our loyalty. To walk in His unity is to find inner peace and wholeness in Him alone.
3. God Has No Body
“I believe that God is incorporeal and incomparable.”
John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
God transcends all form. He is unseen yet ever-present. To believe this is to rise above physical limitation and seek the unseen reality of His Spirit.
4. God is Eternal
“I believe that God is the first and the last.”
Isaiah 44:6 – “I am the first and I am the last; apart from Me there is no God.”
Faith in God’s eternity gives courage in uncertain times. Though generations fade, His throne stands unshaken forever.
5. Worship Belongs to God Alone
“I believe that only the Creator should be worshipped.”
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
All creation exists to glorify God. When our worship is pure, our hearts are free from idols and anchored in divine truth.
6. The Truth of Prophecy
“I believe that the words of the prophets are true.”
Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”
Prophecy reminds us that God still speaks. Listening to His truth keeps us anchored in His purposes for every generation.
7. The Uniqueness of Moses
“I believe that Moses is the father of all prophets.”
Numbers 12:7 – “My servant Moses is faithful in all My house.”
Moses stands as a bridge between heaven and earth—a reminder that obedience opens the door to divine revelation.
8. The Divine Origin of the Torah
“I believe that the Torah was given by God through Moses.”
Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.”
To honor the Torah is to honor God’s voice—its words refresh, reform, and renew the heart.
9. The Torah Will Never Be Changed
“I believe that the Torah is eternal and unchanging.”
Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
God’s truth is timeless. His commandments never fade, but continually guide those who seek righteousness.
10. God Knows All Things
“I believe that God knows all the deeds and thoughts of mankind.”
Psalm 139:2 – “You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar.”
His knowledge comforts and convicts—He sees every tear, every motive, and every act done in faith.
11. Reward and Punishment
“I believe that God rewards those who obey Him and punishes those who rebel.”
Proverbs 11:18 – “The one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”
Divine justice assures us that righteousness is never forgotten. What is sown in faith will one day blossom in eternity.
12. Belief in the Messiah
“I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah.”
Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Hope is alive in every generation. The promise of redemption calls believers to live with patience and joy.
13. Resurrection of the Dead
“I believe that God will revive the dead in His own time.”
Daniel 12:2 – “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake.”
This is the final victory of life over death. The Creator who gave life once will give it again in everlasting renewal.
Additional Takeaway
Faith is more than a doctrine—it’s a daily rhythm of trust, obedience, and awe. The 13 Jewish Principles remind us that believing in God is not limited to understanding His laws but embracing His presence in every detail of life. They teach that divine truth is not hidden in mystery but revealed through covenant, compassion, and a calling to live rightly before God and others.
When we live by these principles, we are reminded that faith requires both heart and discipline. Believing in God’s unity means we seek inner alignment; trusting in His justice means we walk humbly and act kindly. Each belief calls us into deeper communion—an invitation to live with integrity, to honor His word, and to anticipate His redemption with unwavering hope.
May these principles not remain ancient words but living seeds in your heart. Let them guide your thoughts when you rise and shape your peace when you rest. For every breath of faith becomes an act of worship, and every act of obedience draws you nearer to the Eternal One who created you in love and truth.
13 devotional prayers — one for each of Maimonides’ Jewish Principles of Faith
Here are 13 devotional prayers — one for each of Maimonides’ Jewish Principles of Faith, each including a heartfelt prayer, a relevant scripture, and a short reflection.
Prayer for Belief in the Creator
O Eternal Creator, You are the beginning and the source of all that exists. Help me recognize Your hand in every part of creation and fill me with gratitude for the life You breathe into my being.
Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
When we remember that God is the author of all life, our hearts find peace in His design. Everything has purpose, because everything begins with Him.
Prayer for the Unity of God
Lord, You are One, unchanging and perfect. Unite my heart to fear Your Name, and keep my thoughts pure, my worship sincere, and my faith whole in You alone.
Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
When we center our lives around God’s oneness, distractions lose power, and peace begins to rule our hearts.
Prayer for God’s Eternal Spirit
Holy God, You are spirit—unseen yet closer than breath. Teach me to worship not with empty ritual but with truth, love, and reverence of heart.
John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Faith transcends the visible. When we worship in spirit, our souls awaken to His eternal presence.
Prayer for God’s Eternity
Everlasting Father, You have no beginning and no end. In every season of life, help me trust that You remain constant, faithful, and true.
Isaiah 44:6 – “I am the first and I am the last; apart from Me there is no God.”
When all else fades, God’s eternal nature anchors our faith in forever hope.
Prayer for True Worship
Lord of Heaven and Earth, let my heart worship only You. Remove every false idol that competes for my love and teach me to serve You with undivided devotion.
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
True worship frees the soul. When God is first, everything else finds its right place.
Prayer for the Truth of Prophecy
God of Revelation, thank You for speaking through Your prophets and through Your Word. Help me to listen deeply, obey willingly, and discern Your voice among the noise of this world.
Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”
God still speaks through truth. Listening becomes an act of faith that opens our hearts to His wisdom.
Prayer for the Example of Moses
Lord, thank You for the faith and obedience of Moses. May I walk with the same humility, courage, and steadfast trust in Your word.
Numbers 12:7 – “My servant Moses is faithful in all My house.”
God honors faithfulness. Like Moses, we can draw near to Him through humble obedience.
Prayer for the Torah’s Divine Wisdom
Heavenly Teacher, thank You for the gift of Your Word that reveals Your will. Let Your commandments shape my thoughts and renew my spirit daily.
Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.”
The Word of God refreshes and reforms. In its truth, we find peace and direction for living.
Prayer for the Eternal Torah
Lord, Your Word stands forever. Help me to walk faithfully in Your truth even when the world shifts and changes around me.
Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
God’s Word is unshakable. Every generation finds light and strength in His eternal truth.
Prayer for God’s All-Knowing Presence
All-Seeing God, You know my every thought before it’s formed. Search me and cleanse me. May my hidden motives and actions honor You always.
Psalm 139:2 – “You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar.”
His knowing is not to shame us but to guide us—He sees, forgives, and restores what’s broken.
Prayer for Divine Justice
Righteous Judge, I trust that Your justice is perfect and Your mercy unending. Help me to live uprightly, knowing that You reward truth and punish evil with divine fairness.
Proverbs 11:18 – “The one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”
In God’s timing, every act of faith is remembered, and every injustice will be redeemed.
Prayer for the Coming of the Messiah
God of Hope, I wait for Your promised deliverance. Strengthen my faith as I long for the day of redemption when peace will cover the earth like the waters of the sea.
Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”
Patience in waiting refines faith. Every delay prepares the heart for deeper trust in God’s timing.
Prayer for the Resurrection and Eternal Life
Lord of Life, I believe in Your power to raise the dead and renew creation. Help me live each day with hope, knowing death is not the end but the beginning of everlasting joy in You.
Daniel 12:2 – “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake.”
The promise of resurrection assures us that love, life, and light will triumph forever in God’s hands.
Summary
The 13 Jewish Principles of Faith are not relics of history but living truths that continue to shape hearts. They speak of a God who is eternal, righteous, and merciful—a God who calls His people to faithfulness, hope, and reverent worship.
They remind us that belief is more than confession; it is a daily act of trust. From creation to resurrection, these principles hold the whole story of divine love and covenant.
As you meditate on them, may your heart awaken to the timeless harmony between belief and action, between faith and faithfulness. For the One who is eternal still reigns, and His truth endures forever.
