Rabbi Zweig's Shiurim - Torah Learning Center

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Thirteen Principles of Faith

First Principle of Faith: Belief in God's Existence and Our Relationship to Him

This shiur analyzes the first of Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of Faith - belief in God's existence. The speaker explores a fundamental philosophical paradox: how can we be commanded to believe in God when such belief must precede our ability to accept any commandment? The lecture examines two approaches to emunah (faith): Rambam's view that belief means recognizing God as creator and that we are created beings (removing ourselves from the center of the universe), versus Ramban's position that belief must also include accepting our role as God's servants. The discussion includes analysis of Abraham's recognition of monotheism, the meaning of 'Anochi Hashem Elokecha asher hotzeiticha mi'eretz mitzrayim' (I am the Lord your God who took you out of Egypt), and why emunah is considered a constant mitzvah rather than a one-time obligation. The speaker concludes that the mitzvah of emunah is not merely intellectual knowledge but making God's existence part of our active consciousness and daily reality.

Jan 19, 19770:59:55

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