No community start suggestion yet.
Why is divine unity a separate principle from God's existence? The shiur shows that unity means all creation participates in one indivisible reality - God's existence is the only true reality (emes), making everything interconnected. This transforms how we view death, space, and daily life, since no place or moment exists outside divine presence.
This shiur provides a comprehensive analysis of the second principle of the Ani Maamin - the unity of God (Yichud Hashem (ה׳)). Rabbi Zweig begins by questioning why unity constitutes a separate principle from belief in God's existence, since the first principle already established Ein Od Milvado (there is nothing but God). The answer reveals that divine unity encompasses far more than mere monotheism - it establishes the fundamental interconnectedness of all creation. The rabbi explains that true unity means everything in creation derives from and remains connected to God's indivisible existence. This concept is illustrated through the Talmudic teaching about tzitzis, where the blue thread connects us sequentially to the sea, the heavens, and ultimately to the kisay hakavod (divine throne). This isn't an indirect connection but demonstrates that everything in creation is actually linked as one reality.
Looking for the full summary?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Dedicate a Shiur in Hashkafa
L'ilui nishmas a loved one. In honor of a simcha or yahrzeit. As a zechus for a refuah sheleimah. Your dedication helps carry Rabbi Zweig's Torah to learners around the world.
Up Next in this Series
Why does the Rambam insist that believing God has physical form renders someone a non-believer? Most people intuitively conceive of God as a 'superman' - an enhanced human with infinite abilities - which fundamentally distorts our relationship with Him. The Rambam's principle corrects this by teaching that God's essence and knowledge are qualitatively different from ours, not merely superior in degree.
Why does Megillas Esther interrupt Torah study for a message the world deemed ridiculous—that every man should rule his home? The shiur develops the yesod that the moon's willingness to "make itself small" doesn't diminish it but creates unified sovereignty. A woman who enables her husband to lead isn't relegated to second class—she is the king-maker, comfortable creating oneness where a man cannot.
Does going to doctors contradict relying on Hashem as our healer? The Ramban holds medicine is a concession for those not on high spiritual levels, while the Rambam views medicine as a science—a domain Hashem established. The shiur resolves this by explaining that illness uniquely separates a person from Hashem, making self-cure through teshuvah impossible and necessitating medical intervention.
Ani Maamin - Second Principle of Faith
Looking for the full transcript?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Why does Maimonides describe God as having 'absolute eternity' rather than simply being 'first and last'? The distinction establishes that mitzvah obligation stems from God's eternal kingship as philosophical necessity, not human acceptance of His rule. This creates a two-level framework: absolute obligation at the foundation, with love and joy properly expressed during performance.
