No community start suggestion yet.
Why does belief in God's unity constitute a separate principle of faith beyond believing in God's existence? The shiur develops the idea that yichud means all creation derives from one indivisible source, making everything interconnected. This principle transforms how we understand loneliness, holiness, and mourning - explaining why 'Hamakom yenachem' comforts mourners and why accompaniment matters.
This shiur explores the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s second principle of faith - the unity of God (Yichud) - examining why unity constitutes a separate principle from belief in God's existence. The speaker analyzes the deeper meaning of the Shema and explains that God's unity means everything in creation is interconnected and derives from one indivisible source. Through the lens of Yaakov Avinu's life - including the miracle of stones becoming one, his grief over separation from Rochel, and his connection to the concept of 'Makom' - the shiur demonstrates how unity pervades all existence. The discussion covers how this principle affects Jewish law (like the prohibition against multiple courts), mourning practices (explaining 'Hamakom yenachem'), and the mitzvah (מצוה) of levaya (accompaniment). The shiur contrasts Jewish monotheistic unity with Christian trinity, arguing that true unity eliminates the possibility of separation from God's presence, making everything in creation potentially holy and ensuring no one is ever truly alone. The analysis connects unity to the concept of emes (truth/reality), showing how both terms describe the singular, indivisible nature of all existence as it relates to God.
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
How can the Rambam's thirteen principles be fundamental when the Chasam Sofer notes that all Torah is equally important, and some principles aren't even explicit mitzvos? The shiur distinguishes between the Sinaitic covenant (obligations) and the relationship established by the Avot (unconditional love). The thirteen principles describe this foundational relationship with God, not additional commandments - ignorance of them means missing the entire basis of Jewish existence.
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.
Rambam's Thirteen Principles of Faith - Second Principle
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!
How can there be a commandment to believe in God when one must already believe God exists to accept any commandment? The Rambam sees emunah as recognizing God as creator, removing ourselves from the center of existence. The Ramban requires accepting our role as God's subjects with obligations to serve Him.
