THE

THIRTEEN
PRINCIPLES
OF
FAITH ‫הועתק והוכנס לאינטרנט‬
www.hebrewbooks.org
‫ע״י חיים תש"פ‬

A c o lle c tio n o f e s s a y s on th e
R a m b a m 's th irte e n
e m u n a h im p e ra tiv e s th a t w ill
e m p o w e r you
to a d e e p e r a w a re n e s s o f th e
EXISTENCE, PURPOSE an d DESTINY
o f th e u n iv e rs e
 C o p y rig h t 2020
By Nachlas Moshe Publishing
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 ‫ז״ל‬ ‫יוסף הלוי‬ ‫בן‬ ‫ברוך גד‬ ‫לע״נ ר׳‬
‫נפטר יז אדר ב׳ תשע״ם‬

This sefer is lovingly dedicated in memory of Mic

Bert Schonbach z1 '‫׳‬, a man of sterling character,
wisdom, and insight,
A loving husband; father, grandfather, and uncle,
he epitomized kindness, integrity, and sense of
responsibility. While he him self was a man of
few needs, he always made sure that his fam ily
had the best that life could o ffe r‫־־‬
A loyal friend, Bert was always there for anyone
who needed him, and he earned the admiration
and respect of his contemporaries. The massive
crowds at his levaya and subsequent shiva were
a testam ent to this,
in his quiet and unassuming way, Bert touched
and changed the lives of m any‫ ־‬No one will ever
forget how he enlivened each simcha and event
with his gift of song and sense of humon
A learned and dedicated Jew, he always had a
Torah insight to share and took the utmost pride
in the fact that his children embodied the !deals
that he and Yaffa had instilled in them ‫ ־‬This was
his greatest joy.
May this sefer play a role in eternalizing his
legacy.

‫יהי זברו ברוך‬ ...

1
D e d ic a te d b y

D r. D a v id S c h r e ib e r a n d R a b b i M o s h e G e l b e in
 Rabhi Rcuvcn I-ctnstcin ‫שלוי ראובן פיינשט־ין‬
131 Bloomingdule Rd. ‫ראש ישיבה‬
Staten Island NY 10309 ‫ישיבה דיססעמן איילנד‬
■‫ט' שבט תש״ב‬

‫לכבוד האברך ™לי• היב ללטן שי־ייט״א בן תלני־די ה־ב־ב היה״ג י־י טשד גאלדבערגער‬

‫ לקבל הגליונות מספי־ך שאתה עיבד‬.‫איזה שבחה ונהה היא לי ליאות שהגדיים נעשי ת־־ש־פ‬
‫ יידוע ימפירסים שהכל בביסס על האמונה במי שאמרו הז״ל‬,‫להיציא לאיר על ה־״ג עקרים‬
‫ יחיא כהדבי־ים שצריכים‬.‫סוף מסכת בכות בא הבקיק יהעמידו על אחת וצדיק באמונתי יהיה‬
‫ ירהמעט ש־ראית־ היא מי־א יגדיש־‬.‫חיזיל יבפלט בימיני שנתרבי הפירציות ונהמעטיו הדעות‬
‫בדברי הכמה ודעת מביסס על דברי חז״ל ינכתב באיפן צח וקל לעורר ולשרה הי־בבית יבידאי‬
.‫שיהיה לתועלת גדילה להרבות אמונה ויראת הי‬

‫ע"נ באתי לחזק אותך ילברב־ לראית הצלהה יבה מזה הספל ומכי רע־ש־ה ידיי ־־'י־מוד ול״רד‬
‫ישמור ולעשות ילקיים לדיו בעומקה של תורה מתוך מניהת הנפש והיחבת הדעת יבר־את‬
‫הגיף עם פרנסה בשיפע ונחת ממשיפהתו ביחד עם רעייתך החשיבה עד ביאת מיך המשיח‬

‫הכי״ה לכביד התוי־ה וממדיה והעומדים לחזק אמונתינו הטהורה‬

'/je
9 Shvat 5780
Dear R' Kalman shiita, son of my beloved taimid, Harav Moshe Goldberger s/7//fa
I feel such simeha and nachas when I see that the "gec//‫׳‬e/m nadsu tayashim, kid goats have
become bucks ‫ ״‬upon receiving the manuscript of your sefer which you are planning to
publish, on the thirteen principles of faith. As is well known, everything stands on emunah,
faith, Chazai at the end of masechta Maakos have stated, '‫׳‬Chavakuk came and established
it [the entire "fbrah] on one [principle], The righteous one lives due to his emunah,'‫ ״‬This
topic requires strengthening, especially in our times when the deviations have increased
and true knowledge has diminished.
From the sample I have seen, your sefer is overflowing with divrei chochma and dads,
v./ords of knowledge and wisdom, based on the words Gfchazaf our Torah authorities, and
it is v^/ritten in a clear, easy to read, inspiring and exciting manner. This sefer will certainly
be of great benefit to increase emunah and fear of Heaven.
Therefore I commend you and bentch you that you merit great success with this sefer
and in all your future endeavors, and that you merit to study, teach, fulfill, and immerse
yourself in the depths of Torah study with peace of mind, tranquility and good health. May
you have abundant parnassah and nachas from your family together vAth your esteemed
wife until the speedy arrival of Melech Hamoshiach.
Written and signed in honor of the Torah and its students and those who strengthen our
pure faith
Shalom Reuven Feinstein
 ‫בס״ד‬
Rabbi Z e v L e ft ‫הרב זאב לף‬
kabbi of Moshav Matityahu ‫מרא דאתרא סושב סתתיהו‬
Rash Hayeshim-'Yeshiva Gedola Matityahu !‫יש״בה גדולה סתת׳ח‬-‫ראש ה׳שיבה ״‬

im M cx Iiin 71917 Td:Q8-9760‫״‬1138 ‫ל‬ Fax: 08---976-S326 ‫׳‬OpD 71917 py‫־‬T1n J.T

i>ear Friends,

\ ha\e read portions i?r*Thc Thirteen Principles of Faith’■by Rabbi Kalman

( joldberger. The author offers a comprehensive presentation of the RamhanFs Thirteen
Principles of Faith that 10011‫־‬the foundacion of I'orah Judaism.

fhe author explains in detail each of the principles, combining his own idea.s and
explanations vvith quotes from an impressive array of sources and weaving ihem into
an informative, erdighlenlng, inspiring and 'miere.sting presentation.

I commend the author on a quality presentation that will enhance the understanding
and appreciation of the principles br^th to the novice and the the learned readers,

I pray that Hashem Yisborach bless the author with fife, health and the wherewithal
to cotitinue to merit the community with additional Torah works.

Sineerefy.
Willi Torah blessings

Rabbi Zev Leff

 RABBI M O S H E G O LD BER G ER

STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK

Lkovod Rav Kalman Shlita

Thanks for your gevaldika Sefer we are enjoying it

very much.

It gives the opportunity to study a few pages a day

to think and practice Emuna one of the 6 Mitzvos
that are constant 24/7. Living with thoughts of
Hashem elevates a person to connect and cling to
Hashem which makes life sweet and Gishmak.

Hashem is our very best Friend and the more we

think about Him, He rewards us with infinite
benefits. May you merit to be a Mazakeh es
horabim in many meaningful ways.

From your loving Parents.

 Contents
F o re w o rd

A T z a d d ik Lives W ith His F aith 11

F O R E W O R D — IN T R O D U C T IO N T O E M U N A H , F A IT H IN H A S H E M

(PART O N E) 21

F O R E W O R D — IN T R O D U C T IO N T O EM UNAH
(PAR T T W O ) ‫״״‬- E M LIN A H A N D TO RAH ...................................................................... 30

F O R E W O R D — IN T R O D U C T IO N T O E M U N A H

(PAR T THREE) ‫ ״״״״״‬E M U N A H A N D LOVE FOR T O R A H .................................................. 35

A T R A N S L A T IO N O F T H E T H IR T E E N P R IN C IP LE S O F F A IT H

IN T R O D U C T IO N ............................................................................................................ 38

T H E FIR S T P R IN C IP L E

W . \v : ' \N \ ....................................................................................4 5

T H E FIR S T P R IN C IP L E

THE EXISTENCE OF H ASHEM ‫״״‬- T H E PRACTICAL FU LF ILLM E N T OF THE M ITZVAH OF

E M U N A H ....................................................................................................................... 50

T H E S E C O N D P R IN C IP L E

^ X \D 4 Vn , 0 \‫א‬ V \ : 0 \'\‫ י‬. ‫י‬ \ \x\^\A'0\

^ xW " \R xW .................................................................................................. 57

T H E S E C O N D P R IN C IP L E

' W ' ^x' V 'n o " ......................................6 2

T H E T H IR D P R IN C IP L E

W Ln P. P R O F U N D IT Y X ...............................................................................................6 7
8 T H E T H IR T E E N P R IN C IP L E S O F F A IT H

T H E T H IR D P R IN C IP L E

NO B O D Y - - P R O P E R

T H E F O U R T H P R IN C IP L E

\ \ N ^ ^ W ^ \ 'W , X"'- O v : Y \ . ' 0 '^ v < : \ 0 \ 0

O N. D \ \ V0 \ v : O^ X' "

T H E F O U R T H P R IN C IP L E

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T H E F IFTH P R IN C IP L E

V0\ ^^ ‫\ ז‬ ' -\i.'\x \n Y . \Rx \R \^ \^‫\\ אא‬Y

T H E S IX T H P R IN C IP L E

N E V U A H (P A R T 93

T H E S IX T H P R IN C IP L E

T H E S IX T H P R IN C IP L E

N EVUAH , PR O PH ESY (P A R ' W

T H E S E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E

\.\x \"‫ \ א‬x'N R XRR. \x X XRR R . 'N ' x v ^ ^ ' x x ^ 103

T H E S E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E

N EVUA S M O SH ER A B B E₪ x x\A\x"x\v^\< x_ 0 \ ..................................J 0 7

T H E E IG H T H P R IN C IP L E

T H E E IG H T H P R IN C IP L E

\ \ 'A \ ' 0 ' \x 120. ‫\ \ א‬ .‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬.‫״־‬.‫״‬..‫״‬

T H E E IG H T H P R IN C IP L E

' \ ^X \ A ' ^ X \ X^ N ' ‫א‬x X‫״‬ \‫'אא‬ ‫ ^ " א‬x "\ .128‫־״‬.‫״־‬.‫־״״־‬.‫״־‬.‫־״״־‬.‫־‬

T H E E IG H T H P R IN C IP L E

FAFTH A N D R E S P E C T F O R T O R A H S C H O , x 132 ‫־״־‬.‫־״‬.‫־״״־‬.‫־״‬.‫־״״־‬.‫־״‬.‫־״״־‬.‫־״‬.‫־״״־‬.‫־״‬.‫־״״־‬.‫־״‬.‫־״״־‬.‫־״‬.‫־‬

 9

T H E E IG H T H P R IN C IP L E

. ' . ^K ^ \^ \ ^ O. \^^" 142...............‫־‬

T H E N IN T H P R IN C IP L E

' ' <\ \ \M A ' , ' \ v'^X: ^ 147

T H E N IN T H P R IN C IP L E

' n\ \ X ^ Xn' 152

T H E T E N T H P R IN C IP L E

HASHGACHAH PRATiS D , ! \ \ : ^ " GG\ A \x. ,^"\x

:

T H E T E N T H P R IN C IP L E

' \\' x V ' \^‫א‬ M X : XH 161............................... ,\ ‫א‬

T H E E L E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E

SCHAR REW ARD (PA RT ONE)................................................................................... 166

,

T H E E L E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E

SCHAR, REW ARD (PARTTW O ).................................................................................. 169

T H E E L E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E

^ 4 X f\ x,XA:: Xx.^ ...... .............................................................................174

T H E E L E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E

CONSEQUENCES .........................................................................................................179

T H E T W E L F T H P R IN C IP L E

A\x XX'Xv: X'Ox^ X\ A ATx\ \ ............................................................................184

T H E T W E L F T H P R IN C IP L E

X: \ \ . . V7 \ \x. W XD .X Xx ^ M O \ O^ ^ V ..................... 1c)1

T H E T W E L F T H P R IN C IP L E

^ \xX\v O^ XT X ' OX ............................................................................197

T H E T W E L F T H P R IN C IP L E

^ . AX\ \x. ^O ‫ ז‬M O D \ : \\.A^ \‫ן‬. x\ M O V . OX^ ...........................................200

10 T H E T H IR T E E N P R IN C IP L E S O F F A IT H

T H E T W E L F T H P R IN C IP L E

X\ \ W ' . w . X ^V O ^ \\ :‫' י‬ \N . . \ V "\ \ O ^ ^\ .

T H E T W E L F T H P R IN C IP L E

\x X. \N \v V\.^0^ : x^\ 212

T H E T W E L F T H P R IN C IP L E

YEAR N IN G FOR ROYALTY (PAR T

T H E T W E L F T H P R IN C IP L E

YEARNING FOR ROYALTY (PART T W O )

T H E T H IR T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E

. "An - U'' N \\ OR T\ \ \. v\ ' ‫ י‬AA,A\RW"\W..... . . . . . . . 2 2 7 . . . . . . ‫ ״‬. . . . . . ‫״‬

T H E T H IR T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E

. " A n - \\'' N \\ ; m : T\ \ \. o . ' A^ ‫י‬ AA ^ W O \\ O W . . . . . . . . 2 3 2 ......‫ ״‬. . . . . . ‫״‬

T H E T H IR T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E

v\ x' \A X W A " \N \w N ' N. \ ^ \ A ' A X'^ , W x X. ^

T H E T H IR T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E

^V' " \N \\\ N ‫ז‬ ' <:\ \ \. A ' A \^ Ov A"

A p p e n d ix

< W W A A x W \‫ _ ז‬. <V A: W a O \ O^ . \ . A \ \ ^ 24^^

R A V A V IG D O R M IL L E R 'S D E F IN IT IO N O F E M U N A H

PART TW O
F o re w o rd 11

F o re w o rd

Rav Moshe Gelbein ‫ ־‬Rosh Kollel

Nachlas Moshe, Kiryat Sefer

Chavakuk Taught that Mitzvah

Observance Depends on Emunah

The Gemara (Makkos 235243‫ )־‬writes in the name of Rav Simlai that
613 mitzvot were given to Moshe Rabbeinu at Har Sinai. However,
each subsequent generation grew increasingly distant from Matan
Torah, and the Jew s’ spiritual level therefore declined. This made
it increasingly d iffic u lt for them to fulfill all of the mitzvos. To rectify
this, Dovid Hamelech established eleven principles upon which all of
the mitzvos were dependent. His generation was meant to focus on
these principles and practice them (See Rash; ibid.). As the generations
continued to decline, Yeshayahu Hanavi modified the number of
principles from eleven to six. The navi Michah later modified the
number of principles to three, until Chavakuk eventually based all of
the mitzvos on one principle alone - “ Tzaddik b'emunaso yichyeh, A
tzaddik lives with his faith” (Chavakuk 2:4).

Roots and Branches

It goes without saying that these lofty tzaddikim did not detract a
single mitzvah from the Torah, chas v'shalom. We must therefore
12 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

understand the aforementioned Gemara’s intention. The sefer M a’alos

HaTorah explains that there are not really 613 (taryag) mitzvos, for in
truth, there are an infinite number of mitzvos. When we delve into the
Torah, we realize that with every action, word and thought, a person
can perform the Will of Hashem. Rather, he explains, the taryag mitzvos
are the shorashim, the roots of all the other mitzvos. Analogous to a
tree, which has roots, a trunk, branches, twigs, leaves, and fruits, so
too, does the Torah have myriad categories. The Ma'alos HaTorah
additionally explains that all of the mitzvos are rooted in each individual
mitzvah. Just as each part of a tree is interconnected and, therefore,
essentially includes the entire tree, so too, does each mitzvah include
all the other mitzvos.

But what does it mean that there are 613 shorashim? Rav Yehonatan
Salem shlita in Maagal Hashanah cites Rav Shach z t'T , who, based on
the Rambam, explains that if a Jew would be able to keep just one
of the 613 shorashim perfectly, without any ulterior motives, it would
enable him to keep the Torah in its entirety. This is the way that the
earlier generations were able to flawlessly adhere to the entire Torah.
However, as the generations declined spiritually, it was no longer
possible to reach perfect adherence to the entire Torah by choosing
just any one of these 613 shorashim and advancing from there. Thus,
Dovid Hamelech, in his great wisdom, modified the roots from 613 to
eleven. By doing so, Jews in his time were still able to attain perfection
in Torah observance. However, the generations continued to decline,
and the subsequent Torah leaders continued to modify the shorashim
fo r the sake of the Jewish Nation. Finally the navi Chavakuk focused
on but a single branch, which when grasped, would link a Jew to the
Torah’s infinite mitzvos - this branch was emunah.
F o re w o rd 13

We now understand clearlythat none of the aforementioned tzadd/kim

detracted an iota from the Torah. Rather, each one’s objective was to
instruct his generation how to achieve perfection in Torah observance.
They therefore gave them the keys to make the Torah and all of its
mitzvos accessible to them.

The E n tire Torah Stands on Emunah

Chavakuk taught us that the mainstay of the entire Torah is emunah,

faith in Hashem. Everything is built and predicated upon this, as the
Rishonim explain’.

Emunah is the basis of our avodas Hashem. The pasuk (Divrei Hayamim
1 28 :9 ) states, “ Da es Elokei avicha ve’avdeihu, Know the G‫־‬d of your
father and serve Him.” When one recognizes Hashem and understands
that He is the ruler of the world, he will be able to accept the yoke of
Divine service upon himself.

Ma'aminim Bnei Ma'aminim

That being said, it certainly behooves us to expend every effort in

strengthening and deepening our faith in Hashem. The question, of
course, is - how?

1. See Rambam, b eg in ning o f Yad. Rabbeinu Yonah (Derashos Parshas Yisro)

w rite s on th e f i r s t co m m a n d m e n t, “ Anochi Hashem Elokecha asher hotzeisicha
me’eretz M itzra yim ,” th a t b e lie f in G-d and His Divine P rovidence is th e basis fo r
all th e m itzvos. If one does n o t believe in this firs t co m m a nd m e n t, one ca nn o t
p e rfo rm any m itzvos. The B e h a g understands th a t e m u n a h is so fu n d a m e n ta l and
basic to th e Torah, th a t it ca n n o t be considered a separate m itzvah. Rather, i t is
th e fo u n d a tio n upon w h ich all th e o th e r m itzvo s are based.
14 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Let us attempt to answer this question by first posing a question

about the wording of the pasuk mentioned above, Tzaddik be'emunaso
yichyeh, “ A tzaddik lives with his faith.” What does it mean that a
tzaddik lives with his faith? Would it not have been sufficient to simply
state that a tzaddik “ lives with faith?” “ His faith” implies that faith is
already in his possession - what does this mean?

Perhaps this can be explained based on a teaching that our holy

seforim reveal. They explain that emunah is not something that a Jew
must work to acquire; rather, he already has it, deep inside the recesses
of his soul and etched into his very genes.

Jews are ma'aminim b^nei m a’aminim (Shabbat 97a), in possession of

an innate faith, which they inherited from the Forefathers. This began
with Avraham Avinu, who exerted super-human effort to discover
Hashem and spread his knowledge to the world. His being was so
surged with emunah in Hashem that it became an innate trait that could
be passed down to his descendants in each subsequent generation,
until the end of time. Understood as such, we see that emunah is not
something we must acquire - rather, it is som ething we must take
care not to dull by acting sinfully and im m orally, chas ve'shalom. Acting
sinfully has the power to make us forget the obvious and ignore
our very spiritual constitution. Rav M o s h e Wolfson shlita alluded to
this idea in the pasuk Anochi Hashem Elokecha, which the Rambam
enumerates as the mitzvah to believe in Hashem. He pointed out that
this mitzvah was not spoken in the form of a command, like the other
mitzvos. This is because Anochi Hashem Elokecha is not a command; a
Jew need not be commanded to believe in Hashem - he has already
inherited emunah from Avraham Avinu. Rather, it is a rem inder that
Hashem is our G‫־‬d. Once recalled, our innate emunah resurfaces. There
is no need to exhort us to believe, for we already believe. We just need
F o re w o rd 15

to be reminded and then take great care to keep all the mitzvos and
not sully our souls and dampen our faith.

Perhaps this can be alluded to in the words tzaddik b ’emunasoyichyeh.

We asked what it means that a tzaddik lives with his faith. Based on the
above, we can understand be'ezras Hashem. We mentioned that the
key to success in avodas Hashem in our generation, its very foundation,
is emunah. How does one obtain emunah? The answer is that he already
has it - it is already h is faith, one that was bequeathed to him by the
Avos. His job is merely to tap into the recesses of his being and discover
the treasure that was always there and waiting to be rediscovered.

Yet while the roots of faith are imbedded within each Jew, there are
infinite levels of emunah and no end to the avodah that a J e w must invest
to enhance, further, and strengthen his faith. This is where the sefer
before you comes in. Brilliantly written by Rabbi Kalman Goldberger, a
great talm id chacham and eved Hashem, it delves into the Rambam’s 13
Principles of Emunah and explains them in a way that not only enables
the reader to further his understanding of these tenets of Judaism, but
to apply them to his day to day life as well. After years of intensive
research and consistently writing divrei Torah fo r Kollel Nachlas Moshe,
a work of tremendous magnitude has emerged; one that will awaken
the roots of faith in the reader and help draw him grow closer to His
Father in Heaven. This sefer is a true kiddush Hashem and will ensure
the fulfilment of Chavakuk’s holy words, “ tzaddik b ’emunaso yichyeh,”
in their fullest sense, be’ezras Hashem.

O n b e h a lf o f N ach la s M o s h e , I w o u ld lik e t o e x p re s s o u r d e e p e s t
g r a titu d e t o m y life lo n g fr ie n d . Dr. D avid S c h re ib e r shetichyeh. Dr.

S c h re ib e r so g ra c io u s ly d e d ic a te d th is v o lu m e in m e m o ry o f his fa m ily ’s
16 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

close friend and my dear uncle, Mr. Bert Schonbach z”l. This sefer is an
expression of Dr. Schreiber’s value for our Nation’s sacred heritage and
to spreading the light of Torah and chessed. It will be a source of merit
for him and his family shetichyu for generations to come, im yirtzeh
Hashem.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 17

ACKNOWLEDGEIHIENTS

With praise and thanks, I am eternally grateful to the Ribbono she!

01am for all of the good that He has showered upon me and my family,
all of our lives. The greatest kindness He has given me is that He allows
me the greatest privilege possible — to study Torah full-time in kollel.
May He help me further to “ sit in the house of Hashem all the days of
my life” (Tehillim 27:4), and may the entire Klal Yisrael merit increasing
their connection and devotion to limud Torah. In particular, I would
like to thank Hashem for giving me the opportunity to study the Yud
Gimme! !krim (the Thirteen Principles of Faith) over the past few years
and for the opportunity to prepare a series of essays that clarify the
principles of emunah, faith, and draw practical lessons from them.

Any large undertaking is not possible without the help of many

individuals. Therefore, I would like to take the opportunity to
acknowledge and thank the following people.

M u c h th a n k s to :

My wife, for enabling me to devote my time to Torah learning, and for

even allowing extra time for this project, besides for all the tremendous
help she gives me.

My parents, Rav Moshe, shlita, and Mrs. Ghana Beila Goldberger, and
to my grandfather, Rav Menashe (Milan) Goldberger.

My parents-in-law, Rav Aharon and Mrs. Malkah Tzirel Finkelstein.

18 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Rav Yankel Landau, z t ” l, and yibadel bein chaim I’chaim, Rav Avraham
and Rebbetzen S.R. Greenfield, shlita.

The yeshivos t h a t I was zocheh to learn in, as well as their faculties:

Yeshivas Chasan Sofer in Boro Park; Yeshiva Gedolah of Bayonne, and
especially the Rosh Yeshivah, Rav Dovid M a g id , shlita and the Mashgiach,
Rav M e ir Birnbaum, shlita; RavTzvi Kaplan, shlita; B.M.G. of Lakewood;
Yeshivas Mir in Eretz Yisrael and the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Nosson Tzvi
Finkel, z t"l, and yibadel bein chaim I'chaim, Rav Leizer Yudel Finkel,
shlita, and Rav Asher Arieli, shlita.

My Rebbe, Rav Yosef Jacobs, shlita, and Rav Shmuel Wallman, shlita.

Rav Reuven Hechster, shlita; Kollel Libo Chafetz in Kiryat Sefer and
the Rosh Kollel, Rav Yehuda Aryeh Cohen, shlita; Kollel Yad Haleivi and
the Rosh Kollel, Rav Aryeh Leib Kahn, shlita, and to the Rosh Chaburah,
Rav Pinchus Bondi, shlita; to Rav Eliezer Niehaus, Rav Ahron Yitzchok
Royde, Rav Mordechai Younger, Rav Reuven Meyer, Rav Tzvi Marzel
and Rav Alexander Dinkel, and to Rav Mordechai Sinason.

Kollel Mishkan Betzalel, and the Rosh Kollel, Rav Yaakov Rakow, shlita,
and Rav Moshe Grinberg, Rav Yitzchok Grynhaus, Rav Dovid Kleeman
and Rav Mayer Ashkenazy.

The Yeshivah of Staten Island and the Rosh Yeshivah, Rav Reuven
Feinstein, shlita, the Mashgiach, Rav Chaim Mintz, shlita, and especially
the Menahel, Rav Gershon Weiss, shlita, from whose sefarim I benefited
so much, and to Rav Chaim Yitzchok Weiss, shlita. (Although I was
never a talm id in the yeshivah, I spent most of my formative years as
a child and a young adult within the yeshivah, as we lived in the kollel
community there.)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 19

All my siblings, and especially Akiva, for learning a large portion of the
material of these essays with me, and Menucha, for getting me started
on writing essays on the topic of emunah. A special mention is due to
Rav Eytan Berman, who also got me to learn this topic in depth, when
we had a vaad to learn inyanei mussar v’hashkafah together.

A special mention is due to Rav Moshe Gelbein, shlita, the Rosh Kollel
of Kollel Nachlas Moshe in Kiryat Sefer, for his encouragement and
support of these essays, as well as for arranging this publication and
agreeing to grace this sefer with his beautiful foreward. Much thanks
to Rav Ary eh Friedman as well.

Special thanks is due to Mrs. Sinason and to Mrs. Mayer of Kiryat

Sefer for their typing and editing.

I would like to express my appreciation to the authors of the sefarim

that I often used to prepare these essays: Rav Moshe Shapiro z t ” l,
author of s e fe r Re'eh Emunah; Rav Shimshon Pincus z t ” l; yibadel Rav
Bentzion Epstein shlita, author of sefer Yud Gimme! Ikrei Emunah (im
peirush hakdamos v’she'arim ); Rav E hud Rakowski shlita, author of Da’as
Emunah; Rav Halpern shlita, author of sefer Chemdah Tovah and Rav
Yoel Sperka, amongst other authors. I must also mention that I gained
immeasurably from the sefarim and tapes of Rav Avigdor Miller z t” l.

May Hashem bless all of them, as well as the entire Klal Yisrael, with
true brachah and hatzlachah in all matters, and especially to raise
children to be gedolei Torah and ovdei Hashem. They should merit
good health, nachas, and parnassah with peace of mind and menuchas
hanefesh. May we all be zocheh to raise the banner of the Torah.

It is my tefHlah to the Ribbono she! Olam that by reading these essays,

people will increase their emunah — namely, their awareness that
Hashem is running the world, as well as increase their ahavas haTorah.
20 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Additionally, when they sit down to learn Torah, they will have an
increased awareness and feeling that they are now learning the
Ribbono she/ Olam's Torah. When they devote as much time and effort
to lim ud haTorah as they can, they will understand that it is the greatest
form of attachment to the Ribbono she! Olam, and the greatest nachas
that they can give Hashem.

M ay Hashem grant that we should have pure emunah, and that we

should merit raising generations of pure and proud believers, loyal
and steadfast to our glorious mesorah. May they merit following the
guidance of the gedolei Torah of our times. May we be zocheh that
we, our children and all of our descendants, should spend our lives
immersed in ameilus baTorah. May we and they be totally committed
to ahavas haTorah and tznius — the greatest of mitzvos. These are
the greatest source of happiness and contentment for ourselves, and
the greatest nachas for the Ribbono she! Olam. Finally ‫ ־‬may we greet
Moshiach speedily in our times.

K a lm a n , the son of Hagaon Rav Moshe G o ld b e rg e r shlita

Teves 5780, Kiryat Sefer

FOREWORD - INTRODUCTION TO EMUNAH, FAITH IN HASHEM 21

FOREWORD - INTRODUCTION TO
EMUNAH, FAITH IN HASHEM

T h e fa m o u s Mashgiach, Rav C h a tz k e l L e v e n s te in z t ” l, w a s o n c e a ske d,

“ W h y d o e s th e Mashgiach in v e s t so m u c h tim e a n d e n e rg y in to chizuk

ha’emunah — s tr e n g th e n in g his le v e l o f emunah, fa ith in H ashem ? W h a t

a b o u t all th e o th e r p a rts o f th e T o ra h ? ” He a n s w e re d , “ W h e n I c o m e

b e fo re th e Bets Din she! M a’alah, th e H e a v e n ly C o u rt, a fte r I lea ve th is

w o r ld , th e y w ill a lso ask m e th e sam e q u e s tio n . I w ill, b'ezras Hashem,

a n s w e r t h a t since emunah is th e fo u n d a tio n o f th e e n tire T o ra h , it

th e r e fo r e c o m e s b e fo re a n y th in g elseC”

T h e R a m b a m , in his c o m m e n ta ry o n th e Mishnayos (e n d o f Maseches

Brachos), w r ite s : “ M o re p re c io u s t o m e th a n all th e o th e r to p ic s , is t o

te a c h a b o u t ikrei daas v'emunah, th e fu n d a m e n ta ls o f J u d a is m a nd

em unah!" T h e R a m b a m , o u r g r e a t te a c h e r, w h o s e te a c h in g s e n c o m p a s s
th e e n tire T o ra h , is te llin g us t h a t th e s u b je c t m o s t im p o r ta n t f o r h im t o

d is s e m in a te is ikrei daas v'emunah. In fa c t, th e R a m b a m is th e o n e w h o

o rg a n iz e d a n d d e lin e a te d th e fa m o u s th ir te e n p rin c ip le s o f emunah in

P erek Chelek in Maseches Sanhedrin. L a te r o n , th e y w e re m a d e p o p u la r

1. As heard fro m Rav Yisrael Cinsburg, shlita, a grandson o f t h e Mashgiach and a

m aggid shiur in th e Yeshivah o f Staten Island.
22 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

in the famous An; M a’amms and in the Yigdal tefilah, which are in the
siddur and based on the Rambam’s thirteen ikrei emunah.

The thirteen A n; M a’amins can be divided into three groups. The first
group is comprised of principles relating to Hashem’s existence. These
include: 1) Believing that Hashem exists; 2) Believing in His Oneness,
i.e., that He is not comprised of parts; 3) He is not physical or tangible;
4) He always existed and is eternal; 5) We serve Him alone.

The second group is comprised of principles relating to His

communication with us and our relationship and obligations towards
Him. These include: 6) Nevuah, prophecy; 7) Moshe Rabbeinu’s
prophecy; 8) Torah min haShamayim, Torah is Divine; 9) The Torah is
unchanging.

Finally, the third group is is comprised of principles relating to

purpose, destiny, and eternity. These include: 10) Hashem observes
and directs the world; 11) Reward and punishment; 12) Anticipating the
arrival of Moshiach; 13) Techiyas Hameisim, Revival of the Dead — the
real and ultimate life.

The Gemara in Makkos (24a) states that due to the decline of the level
of the later generations, the great leaders of Klal Yisrael pinpointed a
few central mitzvos and Torah attitudes to focus on. These mitzvos
and themes encompass and lead to the greatest amount of perfection
in Torah observance, when an individual focuses especially on them.
Finally, Chavakuk came and said that emunah is the one central all-
encompassing mitzvah which leadsto the greatest perfection in keeping
the entire Torah. As the pasuk states (Chavakuk 2:4) “ Ba Chavakuk
v'he^emldan al achas: V ’tzaddik b'emunaso yichyeh’ — Chavakuk
came and established them [the entire Torah] on one [fundamental
principle]: ‘The tzaddik will live due to his emunah.” ’
FOREWORD - INTRODUCTION TO EMUNAH, FAITH IN HASHEM 23

In fact, the mitzvah of emunah — to believe that Hashem, the Creator

and Controller of the entire world, exists — was the first of the Aseres
Hadibros - Anochi Hashem Elokecha, “ I am Hashem, your G-d” (S hem os
20:2). The entire Klal Yisrael — approximately three million people
— heard these words directly from Hashem by Har Sinai, through a
phenomenal supernatural revelation and a high level of prophecy
experienced by the entire nation [See Ramban, Parshas Yisro, 20:2, and
the beginning of the Chofetz Chaim’s Sefer Hamitzvos Hakatzar; also see
the Rambam and the Ramban in the Sefer Hamitzvos, regarding the well-
known dispute whether emunah qualifies as a positive commandment
or not.]

Especially in our time, a time which the Gedolei Yisrael have repeatedly
said is surely the period of ikvasa d ’meshicha — the fin a l period and
preparation time before M o s h ia c h arrives and reveals himself — it is,
all the more so, vital to work on chizuk ha’emunah, strengthening our
faith.

As many Cedolim have said, strengthening our emunah is the main

area of Divine service and the primary nisayon, trial, that we will be
tested with in this time period before the coming of M o s h ia c h . We
can see this in the Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Hoshea, remez 519): “ The
ingathering of the exiles will only be in the merit of emunah; so too, the
Jews only left Mitzrayim due to the merit of em unah."

We also see this from the Chofetz Chaim in the beginning of his sefer
Taharas Yisrael (part of Kol Kisvei Chofetz Chaim), where he writes the
following: “ Chazal have said, ‘Chavakuk came and established them
[i.e., the mitzvos] on one [fundamental principle]: ‘T h e tzaddik will live
due to his emunah.' Meaning, he saw with ruach hakodesh that in the
acharis hayamim, at the end of days, observance of the Torah essentially
24 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

depends entirely on emunah. If the emunah in the foundations of the

Torah will be strong, then the whole Torah will be upheld. However,
if. Heaven forbid, this principle will be weak, then the entire Torah
observance will be shaky.”

Rav Nosson Wachtfogel, z t ” l, writes in his haskamah to the sefer Yud

Gimme! Ikrei Emunah (im peirush Chazan Yoel), as follows: “ We have a
tradition that was transmitted from the Cedolei Hadoros, namely, that
in the ikvasa d'meshicha there will be frightening nisyonos — trials and
tribulations, in matters of ikrei emunah, principles of faith!”

There are two d iffe r e n t approaches to studying emunah. One way

is to analyze logical and philosophical proofs of emunah. A second
way is to learn the facts of emunah and review the information on
the topic, thus internalizing it and deepening our awareness of it. In
addition, we can organize the information well and learn the pshat —
the straightforward and primary explanations of the various sources
that deal with this topic. The first method can be termed the “ whys”
o f emunah. The second method is internalizing the “ whats” of emunah.
The second approach is the way that is widely encouraged and
generally practiced by the Cedolei Yisrael and the Torah educators of
our generation and in the past generations". This collection of essays
does not engage in logical proofs of emunah for the most part.

It can be said that even from a logical viewpoint, the most powerful
proofs of emunah can be simple logic and not sophisticated dissertations
or deep, complex scientific discussions. We have merited a very clear
and reliable tradition. Secondly, we are the only ones who can boast of
excellent results. In a world gone mad by the pursuit of freedom and

2 . Chazon Ish Letters, vo lum e 1, le tte r 15; Steipier, hakdamah to Chayai Olam; Rav
M atisyohu Salom on; Rav M oshe Shapiro.
FOREWORD - INTRODUCTION TO E M U N A H , FAITH IN H A S H E M 25

happiness (violence, hedonism, and technological and psychological

breakdown of all morals), the Torah observant are an “ island” of
purity, morality, contentment, and happiness. This is clearly a result of
guarding the directives for life given by the Creator of the World on Har
Sinai some 3,300 years ago^.

The Chofetz Chaim writes (Kol Kisvei Chofetz Chaim, m ichtavei Chofetz
Chaim, michtav 18) that it is very important to recite the thirteen
An! Ma'amins every day after davening, and that this was always the
minhag in Klal Yisrael, going back a very long time. Rav Michel Yehudah
Lefkowitz writes in many places about the great obligation and
importance of learning and reciting the A n i M a’amins r e g u la r ly ! Doing
so will obviously strengthen our emunah.

The Rambam, after he establishes the ikrim in his Peirush Hamishnayos

(ibid.), writes the following: “ Know them and succeed with them.
Review them many times. Contemplate them well. If your heart and
mind convince you that you already know them from learning them
once or even ten times, Hashem knows that they are fooling you.
Therefore, do not learn them quickly.” The sefer Shevet Mussar (24)
writes that as soon as a child starts talking, his mother should train him
to say certain pesukim. She should teach him emunah and she should
get him used to staying the thirteen ikrim ! In fact, the Rambam (ibid.)

3. Based on a n audio series given by Rav Yisrael Belsky, z t " f , e n title d Da Mah
Shetashiv. R a v Shlom o W olbe, z t " l , also m ade this p o in t. He especially p o in te d
o u t th e Gedo/ei Yisrael w h o reached such levels o f p e rfe c tio n by fo llo w in g th e
Torah fa ith fu lly (Igros U’ksavim o f Rav W olbe, vo lu m e 2, le tte r 440, page 199).

4. Imrei Da’as, vo lum e 1, le tte r 5 5 , page 289; and in his haskamah to th e s e f e r Yud
Cimmel Ikrim (im blur Hakdamos V’she’arim).
26 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

writes that to be considered a Jew, and to have a portion in Olam Haba,

a person must know and live by the thirteen principles of emunah.

Rav M a tis y o h u Salomon, in his haskamah to the sefer. The Heart o f

Emunah, writes about the importance of chinuch in a positive manner
— doing mitzvos and learning Torah with enthusiasm and joy, and
separating ourselves from worldly desires. This will bring out the light
of emunah that is implanted within the heart of every Jew. He writes
regarding education for emunah, that the main thing is to instill in the
hearts of our children and students the subjects of yiras Shamayim,
fear of Heaven, kedushah - holiness, taharah -purity, emunah in Divine
schar v'onesh - reward and punishment, and hashgachah pratis - Divine
Providence.

We also fin d that certain mitzvos and middos are especially helpful or
are a segulah for maintaining and deepening our emunah. The Chofetz
Chaim (Z ’chor L^Miriam, chapter 21, included in K ol Kisvei Chofetz Chaim)
writes that to strengthen our emunah we should learn the parshah
with Rash; very well each week, and we should also learn Neviim and
Kesuvim. The Steipler Gaon, Rav Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky z f'l, in his
sefer Chayei Olam (chapter 27), writes that humility is the foundation
of emunah. In part two, chapter eight, he writes that an increased
commitment to be shomer Shabbos strengthens a person’s emunah.
It is well known that hearing or reading stories about Cedolei Yisrael
and about mesirus nefesh, self-sacrifice, for Torah and mitzvos greatly
strengthen emunah, in addition to all the other benefits that we can
gain from doing so.

Being secure in our emunah on a logical level is not enough. Rav

Gershon Weiss, in the beginning of The Holocaust Haggadah ( “ Letter
to My Children” ) writes that he once realized this when he managed
FOREWORD - INTRODUCTION TO E M U N A H , FAITH IN H A S H E M 27

to convince someone logically about our emunah, and the person just
stopped there and did not change his ways. He then started wondering:
What is the reason for the fact that Shavuos, the Yom Tov on which we
celebrate Kabbalas HaTorah, is a one-day Yom Tov, while Pesach, the
Yom Tov on which we celebrate Yetzias M itzrayim , is a major seven-
day Yom Tov? Furthermore, why are we obligated to remember Yetzias
M itzrayim constantly, on a daily basis, with various mitzvos and in our
tefillos? Why is it so important and fundamental?

Rav Weiss explained that the answer is that with the power of
reasoning, a person can easily become convinced and secure in his
emunah. However, a person’s emotions fight this because people don’t
want to limit their physical urges, nor do they want to be subservient
to Hashem. Therefore, to establish emunah in Klal Yisrael, Hashem
had us witness His hashgachah, Providence, in M itzrayim . When the
Jews initially submitted to their physical desires, they suddenly found
themselves in a terrible galus, exile. But when they davened to Hashem,
they were redeemed. When the ten makkos occurred, they saw that
there is a Creator, Who knows and controls everything, and rewards
and punishes. In addition, by witnessing the way Hashem spoke to
them and to Pharaoh through Moshe, they developed emunah in
nevuah, prophecy, thus paving the way for the giving of the Torah
through Moshe Rabbeinu.

To motivate the Jews to carry out His Will, Hashem showered them
with miracles. Seeing the many benefits they gained from Yetzias
M itzrayim , enjoying the status as the Chosen Nation, and especially
experiencing the depth of Hashem’s love for them, they naturally felt
powerful gratitude toward their Benefactor. Thus, they committed
themselves to serving Hashem and accepting His Torah. Just knowing
that the Torah is from Hashem is not ample basis for emunah. It needs
28 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

to be coupled with the experience of Yetzias Mitzrayim for it to be

a solid emunah, a faith that carries a person even on an emotional
level. Therefore, it is vital for us to analyze and internalize the Yetzias
Mitzrayim experience, and this is what we do on Pesach, as well as on
a regular basis in so many ways. This way, b'ezras Hashem, we are able
to develop a solid emunah and commit ourselves to avodas Hashem, as
well as to withstanding the trials of life.

Rav Avigdor Miller, z t"l, writes (Awake My Glory, page 101, number
336): “ The quality of emunah (translated as “ belief” in the Tanach and
in the mesorah, tradition, of Klal Yisrael) is a national characteristic of
the Jews. Hashem said to Moshe, ‘They shall believe in you forever‫׳‬
(Shemos 19:9). ‘There is still no one of the Jews who does not act even
now as if Moshe were present and ready to punish him if he should do
anything that is indecent’” (Josephus Ant. Ill, 15, 3).

Rav Miller continues, “ But actually, emunah means steadfastness and

loyalty. It comes easy for a Jew to believe in the history of his people.
The contentions of the nations, old or new, are preposterous, and
they require excessive belief. The tried, reasonable and well-founded
traditions of the Jews are in themselves easy to believe when a Jew is
loyal to his people.^”

Rav Shimshon Pincus, z t ” l, writes that emunah does not mean

“ knowledge of Hashem.” Emunah means dveikus, an attachment, a
relationship with Hashem (Nefesh Shimshon, emunah, page 13).

5. For m o re e la b o ra tio n and fo r s o u r c e s th a t th e p rim ary tra n s la tio n and v irtu e

o f e m u n a h is “ lo yalty and steadfastness” and th a t “ b e lie f” is only a secondary
d e fin itio n , listen to Rav M ille r's re co rde d shiurim (ta p e n u m b e r 10, 23 m inutes
in to th e tape).
FOREWORD - INTRODUCTION TO EMUNAH, FAITH IN HASHEM 29

Rav Wolbe, z t ” l, writes that emunah is not knowledge, it is a middah

— a character trait that we need to tap into and develop and maintain
(V'tzaddik be'emunaso yichyeh, vaad one, page 17).

Rav Moshe Shapiro said that emunah is not a logical conclusion; it is a

certain experience, an inborn feeling. It can be compared to the feeling
of life; a person does not look for proof or for definitions for the fact
that he is alive - he senses it intuitively and identifies it naturally. It
is therefore something that we merely need to tap into and maintain
(Sefer Afikei Mayim, Shavuos, inyan alef, page 79; also see The Heart o f
Emunah, at length).

On a basic and practical level, it’s true that the term emunah means
knowledge of the facts of Hashem’s existence, and a certain logical
conclusion of His existence; the word emunah is often used this way.
However, Rav Miller points out that the real definition for emunah is
“ loyalty and steadfastness.” So too, we see that other Cedolim and
m arbitzei Torah have given various other definitions to the word, or
have given a fin e r nuance for the term and the concept of emunah^ ‫י‬.

6. It fo llo w s th a t o fte n a perceived, o r even a real w eakness in emunah, is usually

n o t a re su lt o f a lack o f kn o w le d g e o f logical p ro o fs o f emunah. Rather, it is a
re su lt o f e xposure to secular books and o th e r sources o f sp iritu al danger. It
m ay also stem fro m m iddos ra’os, negative ch aracte r tra its , and at tim es, fro m
e m o tio n a l w eakness. M any Gedolei Yisrael have said and w ritte n th a t w e need
to realize th a t a Jew has a natural, in b o rn emunah — it ju st needs to be b ro u g h t
o u t. O bviously, if a person feels a weakness in emunah he should discuss it w ith a
c o m p e te n t Rav o r R ebbetzin.

7. Perhaps this can explain th e phen om e n on th a t d u rin g th e Spanish Inq u isitio n

and expulsion th e w o m e n , as w e ll as tho se w h o lacked e xtensiveT orah kn ow led g e,
sacrificed th e ir lives al kiddush Hashem, w hereas a n um b e r o f in te lle ctu a l Jews,
w h o , a lth o u g h possessing philosophical and so p h istica ted ideas o f emunah, w e re
30 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

FOREWORD ‫ ־‬INTRODUCTION
TO EM UNAH
(PART TWO) - EMUNAH AND TORAH

Rav Shlomo Wolbe, z t ” l (B'emunaso Yichyeh, sichah 2 , page 141),

discusses a seeming contradiction. The Gemara in Makkos (24a)
writes that emunah is the yesod — the foundation of all the rest of
the mitzvos — as the pasuk states (Chavakuk 2 :4 ),” T he tzaddik will live
due to his emunah,” meaning that the tzaddik lives through the chiyus,
the potency of his emunah. On the other hand, in A vos (6:7), Chazal
say that Torah study is the foundation of all the mitzvos. This is as the
Mishnah says, “ Gedolah Torah shehi nosenes chaim Toseha b'olam hazeh
u'baolam haba.” This means that the greatness of the Torah is that it is
the true source of life, in this world and the next. How do we reconcile
this?

Rav Wolbe answers that really lim ud Torah is the foundation for all
the mitzvos. However, for the Torah to be effective, it requires that the
person learning it already has an emunah that is alive and vibrant.

When a person is young, his emunah is not truly “ alive” - it is by rote.

A person needs to invest a lot of work to ignite his emunah and make
it real and alive. A person does this by learning sefarim about emunah,

w illin g to fo rg o th e ir h eritag e to save th e ir lives, rachmana litzlan (see The Chassid

Ya’avetz, in th e sefer Ohr Hachaim, chapters 2 and 5).
FOREWORD - INTRODUCTION TO E M U N A H 31

and the parshiyos in the Torah that deal with emunah. Furthermore,
each individual needs to find his path to real emunah, be it through
contemplation of the wonders in the world or some other Torah
approach. Then, when he learns Torah, he will actually feel that he is
learning the Ribbono she! Olam's Torah! Eventually, this will lead him to
find the approach to avodas Hashem that is most suited for him.

In Parshas Vayishlach (32:24) the Torah relates that Eisav’s malach —

the Satan — came and battled Yaakov Avinu. There was a struggle,
which Yaakov won. However, the Satan temporarily injured his thigh,
and this would have great ramifications for the future. Eisav’s malach
represents the forces of evil, and this was a power struggle forYaakov’s
right to live a life of purity and bear generations of purity. Rav Elchonon
Wasserman, in the section at the end of Koveitz Ha'aros (Aggados 6:6)
asks: Why did the Satan wait until Yaakov Avinu to strike? Why did he
not battle against the very root of Klal Yisrael — Avraham Avinu or at
least Yitzchak Avinu?

Rav Elchonon answers as follows: Chazal say (Yerushalmi Chagigah

1:7), “ Hashem overlooked the aveiros o f avodah zarah, adultry and
murder, but He did not overlook the aveirah of b itu i Torah (wasting
time that could otherwise have been spent studying Torah)!’’ Chazal
(Kiddushin 30b) teach us that Hashem says, “ I created the yetzer hara,
and I created Torah study as an antidote for it.” There is no other way
to overcome the yetzer hara; only Torah study is e ffe c tiv e (see Mesillas
Yesharim 5). Similarly, we find that Chazal say (Yerushalmi Chagigah ibid.)
that even if a person would forsake the mitzvos, and even Hashem,
Heaven forbid, if he would continue to learn Torah, it would bring him
back to Hashem!
32 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Now we can understand why the Satan left Avraham Avinu alone and
did not fight him — because Avraham was the pillar of chessed; this
was the primary trait with which he served Hashem. Similarly, Yitzchak
was the pillar of avodah, Divine service (prayer and korbanos, sacrificial
offerings). They did not pose such a threat to the Satan. However
Yaakov Avinu was the amud of Torah in the world, and therefore the
Satan put all of his efforts into stopping him. Baruch Hashem, he was
not successful, but we still suffer from the injury he inflicted to Yaakov’s
thigh. The thigh represents the supporters of Torah, or the youth. The
Satan tries with all his might to discourage people from supporting
Torah, and he tries very hard to make sure that the youth don’t commit
themselves to a life of lim ud Torah.

Perhaps we can add to this idea. Avraham Avinu is also known as the
rosh hama'aminim — the “ head of the believers,” the foundation o f
emunah in the world. Even so, the Satan does not feel so threatened
by that. It is Torah and Torah alone which he realizes is his main enemy.

Rav Elchonon (ibid.) brings an amazing quote from his rebbe, the
Chofetz Chaim: “ The yetzer hara prefers that a person spends his day
fasting, crying and davening, as long as he is not learning Torah!”

Rav ElazarMenachem Shach, zt” l, writes inthe introduction to his sefer

Avi Ezri (volume 1, hakdamah to mahadurah tinyana) that even though
the Gemara writes in Makkos (2 4 a ) that emunah is the foundation of all
the mitzvos and it requires our primary focus, nevertheless, studying
Torah as well as supporting and enabling Torah study is our greatest
calling in life. It is lim ud Torah that requires our greatest attention and
dedication above all other areas of Divine service. He brings this in the
name of the Chofetz Chaim as well.
FOREWORD - INTRODUCTION TO EMUNAH 33

The Steipler Gaon (Rav Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky z t ” l) wrote an entire

sefer dedicated to strengthening emunah, called Chayei 01 am. At the
end of the first section, he writes that people who merit spending
their days learning Torah do not need this sefer, for the holiness of
their Torah study will ensure that they have a solid emunah. The sefer is
mainly intended for the majority of Jews, who spend a large percentage
of their time engaged in earning a living. It would seem that even a
working man, by increasing the amount of time he studies Torah, will
strengthen his emunah.

The Alter of Kelm (Chochmah U'mussar, volume 1, page 247) writes

that although our main focus and efforts need to be to learn Shas and
its commentaries, there are still many opportunities to work on chizuk
ha’emunah, strengthening emunah. A prime example of this is tefillah.
Davening is full of opportunities for strengthening one’s emunah.

We can add to this that if people bother us, instead of getting angry
at them, we can realize that Hashem is in control. This will strengthen
our faith in Hashem. When it comes to earning a livelihood, there are
plenty of opportunities to remind ourselves that Hashem decides how
much we will earn, and how honesty and integrity will only increase our
income. We can imbibe a lot of emunah by contemplating the wonders
and the hashgachah pratis, the Divine Providence, in the world around
us. So many other ways are available as well.

So on the one hand, Torah study and supporting Torah is man’s

greatest calling in life. For women, modesty, middos refinement and
enabling their husbands and children to learn Torah is their life calling’.

1. W hat is a w o m a n 's g re a te st mitzvah? The Vilna Gaon w rite s in Iggeres HaCra

th a t tznius, m iddos tovos, mussar, and shmiras halashon are w o m e n 's m o st
im p o rta n t m itzvo s and o th e rs as w e ll. The Chazon Ish said th a t tznius and middos
34 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

On the other hand, there are ample opportunities to devote a lot of

time and effort to strengthening, as well as adding vitality and life, to
our emunah.

tovos are th e ir m o st im p o rta n t m itzvo s (Im rei Da’as on Iggeres Hagra). In Lev
Eliyahu, Parshas Ki Savo, it states th a t e na bling and assisting th e ir husbands and
sons to learn Torah is a w o m a n ’s g re a te st m itzvah.
FOREWORD - INTRODUCTION TO EMUNAH 35

FOREWORD ‫ ־‬INTRODUCTION
TO EMUNAH
^ WUN \M
a n d love for TORAH

One of the greatest qualities that we aspire to is the m a’alah of

ahavas haTorah — to develop a love and a passion for lim ud Torah and
for those who study it. Chazal state (Kallah Rabbasi, braisah, perek 3;
Derech Eretz Zutah, perek 1), “ Love Torah and honor it.” In Tanna D’bei
Eliyahu Rabbah (28) it says, “ Just as Hashem loves Klal Yisrael and the
talm idei chachamim even more, so too, a person should love Jews, and
he should love the talm idei chachamim even more.” The Smak writes in
mitzvas talm ud Torah, “ One should constantly think about the praises
of Torah; this way he will come to love the Torah.”

We can add to this that since the greatest obligation and mitzvah
of all is lim ud Torah, and in order to devote a lot of time and energy
to learning a person must have ahavas haTorah, it follows that ahavas
haTorah is the greatest quality possible.

Regarding the supremacy of Torah study, we see in the Mishnah in

the beginning of Maseches Peah that “ Talmud Torah k'negged kulam,”
and the Yerushalmi there explains this to mean that learning Torah is
greater than all the other mitzvos combined. The Vilna Gaon writes that
36 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

this applies to learning even one word of T o ra h !’ We find in the Gemara

in Sanhedrin (99b) that it says, “ A man was created to toil in Torah.”
And we find in halachah (see Rambam, Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:4 and
Shulchan Aruch HaCraz) that lim ud Torah overrides all other mitzvos
as long as they can be done by someone else. This includes even to
studying portions of the Torah which are not practically applicable
nowadays, for example, much of Seder Taharos. The Gemara writes
(Megillah 16b) that lim ud Torah is even greater than saving lives!

We find that in order to study a great amount of Torah, we need

to learn to enjoy it. This is as we recite in the birkas haTorah, “ Please
make the words of Your Torah sweet in our mouths.” In contrast, we
don’t request this in the other brachos that we recite over mitzvos. So
too, we say in davening, “ K1 heim chayeinu ... u’vahem nehgeh yomam
vaiaylah — For they are our very life... and we will contemplate them
day and night.” We fin d that Dovid Hamelech says (Tehillim 119: 40),
“ Mah ahavti sorasecha, how I loved Your Torah, kol hayom hi sichasi, the
entire day it is my speech.” We see from here and from other places as
well, that the prerequisite for hasmadah, diligent Torah learning, is a
love for Torah.

How can we develop ahavas haTorah? The Smak writes, “ By constantly

thinking of its praises” (ibid.). Another known method is that through
toiling in Torah we gain a love for it (Zahav Mishebah, Parshas Shlach).
The Chovos Halevavos (cheshbon hanefesh, perek 3, cheshbon 25) writes
that by limiting our excitement about the mundane, we increase our
enthusiasm for the spiritual. This certainly applies to lim ud Torah as

1. See se fe r Binyan Olam 1:9 as w e ll as th e s e c tio n e n title d Divrei Chain 1:19 and
M ishnas Reb Aharon (M ussar - v o lu m e 1 page 27).
FOREWORD - INTRODUCTION TO EMUNAH 37

well. Davening to Hashem that He should give us love for Torah also
increases our love for Torah study.

In the sefer Igros Chazon Ish we find a revelation about this. The
Chazon Ish, who was well known for his amazing love for Torah, writes
in a letter (volume 1, letter 14): “ Because I constantly arrange my life
in accordance with the certainty, and confidence [regarding the truths
of life] that I have derived from the thirteen principles of emunah —
in which Ktal Yisrael is rooted — as a result, I have acquired ahavas
haTorah beyond all limits!” Further on in the letter he implies that it
also brought him to tremendous love for lom dei Torah, those who
study Torah. This is an amazing revelation. Constant application of the
An! Ma'amins to his life was a prime source for the Chazon Ish’s great
love of Torah learning!

By constantly reflecting and applying the thirteen ikrei emunah, a

person gains more and more clarity and conviction that this world has
a Creator, Who gave us a Divine Torah with exact directives for life.
He recognizes that Hashem will reward those who keep His Torah, the
ultimate pleasure being Techiyas Hameisim, the Revival of the Dead,
and Olam Haba. We realize that the way to maximize our potential,
our contentedness and our happiness all depends on our complete
commitment and devotion to learning Hashem’s Torah. This is because
knowing the Torah is the way to know His Will in every situation, and
Chazal revealed that this is the greatest way of connecting with Hashem,
now and for all eternity. It follows that absorbing and applying the
fundamentals of emunah gives a person a love for Torah beyond limits.
38 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

A TRANSLATION OF THE THIRTEEN

PRINCIPLES OF FAITH
INTRODUCTION

Every Jew is obligated to know the thirteen principles of emunah

that are cited by the R a m b a m in his commentary to the Mishnayos
(Sanhedrin, Perek Chelek), and to believe in them. In fact, it is well
known that Rav Chaim Soloveitchik, zt” l, (otherwise known as “ Rav
Chaim Brisker” ) said^ that we see from the Rambam that a person who
does not know the thirteen principles of faith, even by mistake, forfeits
his portion in the World to Com e!^

1. T h ere are v a rio u s in te rp re ta tio n s o f Rav C haim 's in te n tio n . His e x a c t w o rd s

in Y iddish w e re “ nebach ahn apikorus is oich ah apikorus,” an u n fo rtu n a te
h e re tic is also c o n s id e re d a h e re tic . W e w ill e la b o ra te on th is s h o rtly , b e ” H.
F u rth e rm o re , th e re are o th e rs w h o d isa g re e d w ith Rav C haim ’ s o p in io n . See
th e fo o tn o te s th a t fo llo w f o r m o re on th is p o in t.

2. See Nefesh Shim shon, sh a'are i em unah, p age 98; K ovaetz Ha'aros, e nd o f
sefer, 12 :8 ; le tte r fr o m Rav Y isroel Elyah W e in tra u b , e nd o f th e kuntrus Udecha
Seiseh; Sha’alos U’tshuvos Shevet Halevi, v o lu m e 8, 165:4; Chemdah Tovah,
pages 13 and 61; and sefer Da'as Emunah, v o lu m e 1.

Rav W e in tra ub w rite s in his le tte r (ib id .) th a t Rav Chaim Brisker means only th a t
if w h en learning a b o u t th e th irte e n principles, a person makes a m istake, th e n
he is a classified as a apikorus — a h eretic, b u t if som eone was n o t ta u g h t th e
principles, and he did n o t th in k a b o u t th e to p ic , he is n o t considered a heretic.
A TRANSLATION OF THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FA 39

Rav Shimshon Pincus, zt‫ ״‬l, (Nefesh Shimshon, sha'arai emunah, page
130) points out based on this that it is of utmost importance to teach
the thirteen principles of faith to people who do not yet know them.
He writes that you can have a person who observed all of the mitzvos
of the Torah, with fear and love of Hashem, and they even learned a
lot of Torah, but if this person is lacking knowledge of even one of
the principles of emunah, he is considered separated from the Jewish
Nation, and he does not have a portion in the World to Come!

Furthermore, the Chofetz Chaim (m ichtav 18) writes that every

person should recite the thirteen principles every day after Shacharis.
Therefore, I will now list the thirteen principles of faith as they appear
in the siddur; there they appear as the An; M a’amins. The A n ; M a’amins
were not written by the Rambam, but are based on the Rambam’s
principles.

I will also bring the points that the Rambam made that don’t seem
to be included in the A n ! M a’amins, based on the sefer Chazon Yoel.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy to mention that the An! M a’amins include
certain points which the Rambam does not seem to include in the
thirteen principles and some points which he may even disagree with.

H ow ever, th e Sefer Ha’ikrim (1:2) w rite s th a t if a person m ade a m istake

because he m isu n d e rsto o d th e to p ic, th e n he is n o t an apikorus (Rav W e in tra ub
is m aking an a dd itio na l p o in t th a t one w h o never c o n te m p la te s this to p ic is also
n o t a h eretic).

O thers say th a t only if a person had th e o p p o rtu n ity o f learning th e principles

b u t d id n ’t, th e n he is an apikorus, even if it was by m istake, o r because he was
raised w ith ignorance (as b ro u g h t in Chemdah Tovah ibid.)
40 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE ANI MA'AMINS

I believe w ith com plete f a ith t h a t the Creator, may His Name be
blessed, is the Creator and the Controller o f all the creations, and
th a t He alone makes everything happen, in the past, present and
future.

I believe w ith com plete fa ith th a t the Creator, may His Name be
blessed, is One, in every sense, and nothing can compare to His
Oneness in any way, and He alone is our C-d in the past, present
and future. (Meaning th a t there is only one Hashem, and He is not
composed o f parts.)

I believe w ith com plete faith th a t the Creator, may His Name be
blessed, is not a physical (corporeal) being, and th a t all o f the
lim itations governing physical beings d o n 't apply to Him, and th a t
Hashem has no tangible appearance.

I believe w ith com plete faith th a t the Creator, may His Name be
blessed, is the first and fin a l Being.

I believe w ith com plete faith th a t the Creator, may His Name be

blessed, is the only One th a t it is appropriate to pray to, and it is

w rong [fo rb id de n ] to pray to anything else.

(In the Rambam, the focus o f this principle is th a t it is forbidden to

worship anything or anyone o th e r than Hashem [th is constitutes
avodah zarah — serving false gods and m anipulating various
''p o w e rs''].)

I believe w ith com plete faith th a t the words o f the prophets are
all true.
A TRANSLATION OF THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FA 41

(In the R a m b a m , the focus o f this principle is th a t there exists a

concept o f prophecy, and th a t there were prophets.)

I believe w ith com plete fa ith th a t the prophecy o f our teacher

Moshe, a"h, was true, and th a t he was the “ fa th e r” o f all the
o th e r prophets, w hether before or a fte r h is tim e (meaning th a t
he was greater in prophecy than all the o th e r prophets, a n t f he
is the source or conduit fo r the ability o f all the o th e r prophets to
prophesize).

(The Rambam includes in this principle the differences between

the prophecy o f Moshe and th a t o f the o th e r prophets. They are:
a) The other prophets prophecy came through a medium [an angel
or a dream ]; therefore, th e ir prophecy was in allegorical or cryptic
form , whereas M o s h e 's was w ith o u t a medium and therefore
explicit, b) The o th e r prophets received th e ir message only while
sleeping — in a dream or in a dreamlike state, whereas Moshe
prophesized while a w a k e and standing, c) Regular prophets
experienced a great fear during th e ir visions, whereas Moshe was
com pletely calm, d) Moshe could access prophecy w h e n e v e r he
decided to, whereas a regular prophet was solely dependent on
Hashem's decision to grant prophecy.)

I believe w ith com plete faith th a t the entire Torah th a t we have,

was given to Moshe, our teacher (meaning th a t our Torah was
fa ith fu lly tra n sm itte d to us).

(The Rambam, in the standard edition, in this principle puts the

focus on the fact th a t our entire Torah is o f Divine origin and th a t

3• This p o in t w a s b ro u g h t to m y a tte n tio n by m y fa th e r, Rav M o s h e C o ld b e rg e r

shlita.
42 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

n o t h in g w a s introduced by Moshe. In o th e r editions, the Rambam

m a k e s both points: a ) fa ith fu l transmission o f the Torah, and b)

Divine origin o f the Torah.)

9. I believe w ith com plete faith th a t this Torah w ill never be changed,
and we w ill not receive a different Torah fro m the Creator, may His
Name be blessed.

(The Rambam includes in this principle th a t the Torah w ill never

have additions or concessions.)

10. I believe w ith com plete faith th a t the Creator, may His Name be
blessed, k n o w s all o f the actions and thoughts o f every person,
as it is w ritte n (Tehilim 33:15), ''He created th e ir hearts, together,
and He understands all o f th e ir actions. ”

(M a n y com m entators on the Rambam's thirteen principles include

in this principle the fact th a t Hashem controls the w orld.)

11. I believe w ith com plete faith th a t the Creator, may His Name
be blessed, gives good rewards to those w ho observe His
commandments, and He punishes those who transgress His
commandments.

(The Rambam includes in this principle th a t we need to know th a t

the greatest reward is Olam Haba, the W orld to Come, and th a t
the w orst punishm ent is kareis — w h e n the soul is cut o ff and
suffers eternally.)

12. I believe w ith com plete faith in the com ing o f Moshiach, and even
if his arrival is delayed, nevertheless, I anticipate his arrival each
and every day.

(The Rambam includes in this principle th a t we need to believe

th a t Moshiach w ill be a greater king than all the o th e r kings who
A TRANSLATION OF THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FA 43

ever existed, and th a t he m ust descend fro m Dovid HaMelech and

Shlomo HaMelech.)

13. I believe w ith com plete faith th a t there w ill be a resurrection o f

the dead, at the tim e th a t the Creator w ill desire to do so, may His
Name be blessed and may His remembrance^ be exalted, forever
and ever.

By learning these thirteen principles of faith, a person avoids the

greatest tragedy possible — losing his portion in the World to Come.

Besides for the principles being a ticket to the World to Come, they
are also the ticket to our present, material world (olam hazeh). When
a person absorbs these principles, he realizes that this world is full of
purpose and meaning, and there is no greater sense of fulfillment and
happiness than that.

Furthermore, the Chayei Adam (one of the foremost practical halachic

authorities) writes at the beginning of his sefer that a person must give
up his life and endure torture. Heaven forbid, to resist denying our
faith. Rather, we proudly proclaim our emunah, no matter what, and in
fact, for ages our people willingly underwent torture and gave up their
lives not to renounce our faith. There is a saying, “ If you know what to
die for, then you have what to live for!”

How fortunate we are that we have true ideals, true purpose and true
meaning in our lives. Let us end with an anecdote. A Cadol, a Torah giant,
was on the plane with his son. His seatmate expressed amazement at
the respect the son had for his father. The Cadol responded, “ Your
philosophy is that people descend from monkeys; thus, each earlier
generation is a step closer to the monkey and deserves less respect

4. See Targum Shemos 3:15.

44 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

accordingly. Our tradition is that each previous generation is a linkcloser

to the glorious Divine revelation at Sinai! At Sinai we were given our
faith and for some 3,300 years we are proud to maintain our beautiful
and meaningful tradition. Since I am closer to the great revelation at
Sinai, my son great has great respect for me.”
THE FIRST PRINCIPLE 45

THE FIRST PRINCIPLE

^\ x ^ 'E N C E O F H A S H E D

W h a t is th e m o s t im p o r ta n t p ie c e o f in fo rm a tio n th a t o n e n e e d s t o
k n o w ? T h e a n s w e r, in th e w o r d s o f th e R a m b a m , is: “ T h e fo u n d a tio n o f

all fo u n d a tio n s a n d th e p illa r o f all k n o w le d g e a n d w is d o m is t o k n o w

t h a t th e r e e x is ts a f ir s t B e in g , a n d t h a t He c re a te d all th a t e x is ts .” The

R a m b a m c o n tin u e s t o b u ild o n th is fu n d a m e n ta l. L e t us b rin g s o m e

o f th e p o in ts he m e n tio n s : T he R a m b a m w rite s , “ If H ashem w o u ld

n o t e x is t, th e n n o th in g else w o u ld e x is t. If n o th in g b e sid e s H ashem

w o u ld e x is t, H ash e m w o u ld s till e x is t. A ll o f e x is te n c e n e e d s H ashem

t o e x is t, b u t H ash e m d o e s n o t n e e d a n y o n e t o e x is t.” This m e a n s th a t

all e le m e n ts o f c re a tio n n e e d H ash e m t o m a in ta in th e ir c o n tin u o u s
e x is te n c e . T h e R a m b a m c o n tin u e s , “ H ashem is th e M a s te r o f th e w h o le

w o r ld , a n d w it h His u n lim ite d p o w e r , m a k e s th e sun, m o o n , s ta rs a nd

th e lik e re v o lv e c o n s ta n tly .”

T h e R a m b a m c o n c lu d e s t h a t th is k n o w le d g e c o n s titu te s th e m itz v a h

o f emunah, w h ic h is le a rn e d fr o m th e p a s u k (S hem os 20:1), “ Anochi

Hashem Elokecha, I am H a sh e m , y o u r G -d” (Rambam, Yesodei HaTorah

,
2 1-6 ).

T h is is th e m o s t im p o r ta n t in fo r m a tio n th a t o n e n e e d s t o k n o w —

t h a t th e r e is a G-d o f th e w o r ld . He m a d e th e w o r ld a n d th e w o r ld

n e e d s H im t o m a in ta in its e x is te n c e , b u t He d o e s n o t n e e d th e w o r ld in
46 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

order to exist. This is also the first of the thirteen principles of emunah,
which the Rambam establishes in Perek Chelek in Maseches Sanhedrin.

The Chofetz Chaim, in his Sefer Hamitzvos Hakatzar (aseh 1), includes
additional details in the mitzvah of emunah. One such detail is that we
also need to believe that Hashem made the world because He decided
to on his own (m icheftzo) and not because anything compelled Him
to do so. Another point is that Hashem runs the world (hashgachah).
[The Rambam does not include hashgachah in the fir s t ikar o f emunah.
However, the author of the Ani Ma'amins (which was accepted by Klal
Yisrael as the basic text of the thirteen principles) does include it.]

The Chofetz Chaim continues, “ This [em unah] is yesod hadas, the
foundation of our religion (which implies that the Chofetz Chaim holds
that all the aforementioned details are also part of the ikrei emunah).
One who does not believe this is a kofer b'ikar, a heretic in the main
tenet of the entire Torah. He does not have a portion or merit in Klal
Yisrael.”

Continues the Chofetz Chaim, “ We are obligated to give up our lives

and all of our money not to deny this foundation of Judaism. The way
to do this mitzvah is mainly to etch it into our souls that this is the truth
— and that it is unfathomable otherwise.” This means that we need to
ingrain it deeply into ourselves. He concludes that this is an obligation
every second for both men and women.

Rav Avigdor Miller, zt” l, would frequently say over the following
anecdote: The Kedushas Levi once told his gabbai, “ Go to the shul, bang
on the bimah and announce, ‘There is an Eibershter (G‫־‬d)!‫ ”׳‬Meaning,
of course, everyone knows that Hashem exists; however, we need to
constantly deepen our awareness of and connection to Hashem (Rav
Avigdor Miller ‫ ־‬His Life and His Revolution, page 276).
THE FIRST PRINCIPLE 47

Rav Dessler writes ( M ic h ta v M e 'E liy a h u , volume 3, page 161, emunah),

“ The Jews are m a'am inim bnei m a'am inim (believers and the sons of
believers). They know that Hashem created and constantly manages
the world. However, there is a specific mitzvah to constantly work on
one’s emunah — i.e., the mitzvah o f Anochi H a s h e m Elokecha, the first of
the A seres Hadibros. The Ridvaz writes, ‘The obligation and the mitzvah
of emunah is to constantly ingrain it into yourself.‫ ׳‬One who does
not constantly work to clarify for himself and teach himself emunah
in Hashem Yisbarach will not tru ly know it, and he is not fulfilling the
mitzvah of emunah properly.” (Rav Dessler goes on to bring five ways
to fulfill the mitzvah of emunah.)

There are many ways to fulfill the mitzvah o f em unah,and to strengthen

oneself in emunah. One popular method is to absorb emunah through
the holiness of Torah study. In general, Torah learning is the greatest
mitzvah and is the lifeblood and defining factor of a Jew, as Rav Saadya
Gaon famously writes, “ The Jewish Nation has no other core identity
and culture other than the people who study and uphold the Torah.”
Many Cedolei Yisrael and leading Torah personalities recommend
strengthening emunah through lim ud Torah. A person who maintains
steady learning sessions will increase his emunah constantly. This is
especially true for one who is amal baTorah, toils in Torah, expending
time and effort to study Torah.

The kedushas haTorah imbues a person with a deep sense of

awareness of the presence of Hashem. The great revelation of Har Sinai
is encapsulated in the words and experience of Torah study. When we
learn, we connect with the ongoing “ voice” of Hashem at Matan Torah.
The pasuk in Parshas V a 'e s c h a n a n (5:19) states, “ [Hashem spoke to the
Jewish Nation with a] kol gadol -a loud voice, v’lo y o s o f, which Targum
48 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Onkelos translates as “ [a voice] that will never stop.” The voice of Har
Sinai — never stops.

The study of the mitzvos and the teachings of Hashem have a great
power to bring a person close to Hashem (Mesilas Yesharim 5). The
Gemara teaches (Kiddushin 30b) that Hashem said, “ I created the
yetzer hara and I created the Torah as a tavlin, an antidote.” The Mesilas
Yesharim points out that we see from this that there is only one antidote
for the powerful enticements of the Yetzer Hara - Torah. It follows that
by consistent Torah learning a person cleanses himself from foreign
ideas and imbues himself with pure emunah'.

The Vilna Caon in Iggeres HaCra writes that for women, tznius —
modest dress and behavior — coupled with middos tovos, mussar,
shmiras halashon and avoiding over-indulging in the pleasures of Olam
Hazeh, are in place of Torah tavlin. The Chazon Ish said that acting
with tznius and middos tovos are in place of Torah study for women
(brought by Rav Michel Yehudah Lefkowitz z t ” l in his sefer Imrai Da’as
on the Iggeres HaCra). Rav Eliyahu Lopian z t” l wrote that by assisting
their husbands and sons to learn Torah, women receive the amazing
power of kedushas haTorah (Lev Eliyahu, Parshas Ki Savo). It follows

1. This idea is ta u g h t by m a n y Gedolei Torah, each o n e w ith his o w n nuance.

H ere are so m e o f th e sources: Rav A h ra o n K o tle r’s M ishnas Rav Aharon,
v o lu m e 1, p age 34; th e S te ip le r Gaon, Rav Y aakov Y isro el K an ie vsky’ s Chayei
Olam, pages 9 and 14, and a t th e e n d o f chelek 1, p age 196 [n e w e d itio n ];
Rav S hm uel R azovsky in Shiurei Reb Shmuel, M a kko s 24a and Zichron Shmuel,
sichos, ma’amar Hu Yiftach Libeinu B’Soraso; Rav D ossier in M ic h ta v Me’Eliyahu,
v o lu m e 3, emunah, p age 162 [ o r 176, n e w e d .]; Rav A v ig d o r M ille r’s Rejoice O’
Y outh!, th e f if t h day, p age 346, n u m b e r 791; Rav S him sho n Pincus in Nefesh
Shimshon, emunah, p age 15; also see Rav D ovid C o h e n ’s sefer M askil L’Dovid
on Derech Hashem, p age 77 w h e re he e la b o ra te s o n th e to p ic .
T H E F IR S T P R IN C IP L E 49

t h a t th e s e a re th e m itz v o s w it h w h ic h a J e w is h w o m a n can s tre n g th e n

her em unah\

B^ezras H ashem ^ if w e k e e p th in k in g a b o u t H ashem , a n d w e c o n s ta n tly

re v ie w an! m a 'a m in b e ^ e m u n a h s h e ie im a h s h e H a b o re ! Y is b s ra c h S h e m o

H u b o re ! u ^ m a n h ig F c h o l h a ^ b e ru im v^hu fV a d o asah v^oseh v y a ^ a s e h

r c h o l ham a^asim ^ I b e lie v e w it h c o m p le te fa ith t h a t H ashem is th e

C re a to r a n d th e C o n tro lle r o f th e e n tire u n iv e rs e , p lu s w e ta p in to th e

a m a z in g p o w e r o f k e d u s h a s h a T o ra h ^ w e w ill m e r it fu lfillin g th e m itz v a h

o f e m u n a h p ro p e rly .

2* T h e s e f e r Orchos Chaim ( f r o m Rabbeinu A h a r o n H a k o h e n /VI‫׳‬L 0 n 1 e l), in t h e

s e c t io n d is c u s s in g t h e m it z v a h o f fans m ila h , w r i t e s t h a t a w o m a n r e c e iv e s t h e

kedushah o f t h o s e m it z v o s w h ic h s h e is n o t c o m m a n d e d t o f u l f i l l b y a b s o r b in g
h e r h u s b a n d ^ s t e a c h in g s a n d a t t i t u d e s . H e a d d s t h a t t h e h u s b a n d m a k e s t h e a u r a

o f t h e m it z v o s p e r m e a t e t h e e n t ir e h o u s e h o ld .

R a v E ly a h B e r W a c h t f o g e l shiita s a id in t h e n a m e o f R a b b e in u C h a im V it a l z f l
t h a t w o m e n a r e n a t u r a lly o n a h ig h e r le v e l o f emunah a n d kedushah^ t h e r e f o r e
th e y d o n T n e e d c o n s ta n t !!mud Torah a n d f u l f i l l m e n t o f m it z v o s lik e m e n d o , t o
m a in t a in t h e i r s p ir it u a l le v e l ( s e e The Heart o f Emunah b y R a v R e u v e n S c h m e lc z e r ,
c h a p t e r 2 2, K id d u s h Hashem — A W a y o f L if e , p a g e 1 9 9 ).
50 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE FIRST PRINCIPLE

I vvH .vX IE K^ I M I \‫ ^ ו‬v'\ ^\H EM UNAH

The first principle of emunah is to believe in the existence of Hashem,

meaning that there is a G-d, Who created and maintains the world;
everything needs Him in order to exist; and His existence does not
depend on anyone or anything. This is a mitzvas asei, a Positive
Commandment, and it is the f ir s t of the Aseres Hadibros, the Ten
Commandments, which were told by Hashem to the Jews at Har Sinai.

Rav Avigdor Miller z t ” l (Awake My Glory, c h a p te r 19, page 323, number

1050) wrote that emunah means to be convinced of the truths of the
Torah, and then to become more and more deeply aware of them.
The first of the Aseres Hadibros is “ I am Hashem your G‫־‬d,” (S hem os
: ) which
20 2 means “ to know that there is a first Being, Who brought
everything into existence” (Rambam, Yesodei HaTorah, 1:1,6). We are
commanded to acquire this knowledge in the various ways that are
available to us, and to continue being mindful of it always.

Many Gedolim have emphasized that we need to realize that every

single Jew is by nature a ma'amin. It is an inborn and innate knowledge,
feeling and experience that we live with. Yet there is a mitzvah to blow
the coals and fan the flames to make it an emunah which is passionate
and alive. The Gemara says that Chavakuk came and established that
the whole Torah rests on this one mitzvah of emunah (Makkos 24a). The
THE FIRST PRINCIPLE 51

C h o fe tz C haim a n d o th e r Cedolim s tre s s e d h o w in th e Acharis Hay ami m

— th e fin a l p e rio d b e fo re th e c o m in g o f M o s h ia c h — o u r e n tire avodas

Hashem re s ts o n o u r e ffo r ts a n d a c h ie v e m e n ts in ra is in g th e le ve l o f o u r
emunah (Kol Kisvei HaChofetz Chaim, Taharas Yisrael 1).

It is in o u r h a n d s t o re a c h a h ig h le v e l o f emunah — t o re a lly k n o w

a n d fe e l it. W e can a c h ie v e th is b y w o r k in g o n th e d iffe r e n t m e th o d s o f

f u lf illin g t h e m itz v a h o f emunah, a n d th e d iffe r e n t w a y s o f s tre n g th e n in g

emunah, p lu s b y re c e iv in g siyatta d'Shmaya, D ivin e a ssista n ce . T h e re

a re m a n y le v e ls in emunah a n d ea ch o n e is s ig n ific a n t. L e t us b rin g a lis t

o f v a rio u s w a y s t o s tr e n g th e n emunah, as b r o u g h t in m a n y d iffe r e n t

w o rk s .

1. TefiHah: davening to Hashem to give us com plete emunah (Beis

Halevi, end o f Parshas Bo).

2. Sifrei Emunah: making set tim es to learn works th a t deal w ith

emunah, especially sefarim th a t explain the thirteen principles^

3. Mesorah, tra d itio n : contem plating our reliable and glorious

mesorah and the fact th a t the story o f the founding o f the Jewish
Nation is so sensible and unparalleled. W e have an unbroken chain
dating back to Ma'amad Har Sinai. It is only around 3 ,3 0 0 years and
not more than a hundred generations long. There are thousands
o f chains o f parents to children and Cedolei Torah and tzaddikim
to th e ir students^

1. Rav M ichel Yehudah L e fk o w itz zt” l in his haskam ah to th e h ig h ly

re c o m m e n d e d sefer o n th e y u d gimmel ikrim e n title d Yud G im m el Ikrim,
Hakdamos V’shearim by Rav B e n tz io n E pstein shlita.

2. Sefer Hachinuch (in tro d u c tio n ); Ram ban, Va'eschanan 4:9 and Bereishis 10:5;
also see Ramban's Drashas Toras Hashem Temimah; Kuzari 1:25; th e C hofetz
52 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

There is also a direct chain going b a c k to Adam Harishon — the

very firs t m a n (see R a m b a n , end o f Parshas Bo).

Limud Torah: Keeping steady learning sessions imbues a person

w it h e m u n a h l

''In -d e p th " learning sessions: Limud Torah in depth especially

strengthens emunah (Rav S h im s h o n Pincus z t ” l, Nefesh S h im s h o n ,
emunah, page 17).

6. Limud Torah w it h interest and excitem ent has a special pow er to

strengthen emunah (Rav D ossier, M ichtav Mi'Eliyahu, volume 3,
page 1 6 2 ).

7• N ifla o s Habriah, the wonders o f creation: Contem plating the

complexity, wisdom, order, and interdependent systems o f the

creation imbues a person w ith e m u n a h i

U'Mibsari echzeh Eloka — "A nd fro m my own flesh I see Hashem"

(lyov 19:26); Contem plating the wonders o f man and the various
kochos hanefesh, the inborn psychology o f man, strengthens

C h aim ’s Taharas Yisrael 1, and Nidchei Yisrael 43; Rav A v ig d o r M ille r’s Rejoice O’
Y outh, c h a p te r 1, n u m b e r 71, p age 34.

3. Rav A h a ro n K o tle rin M ishnas Rav A h a ro n , v o lu m e 1, p age 34; Rav S him shon
Pincus in Nefesh Shimshon, emunah, p age 15; S te ip le r C a o n ’ s Chayei Olam,
p age 9, n e w e d itio n ; R am ban, Sefer Hamitzvos, mitzvos 10 sa'aseh sheshachach
haRav 2 .

4. Chovos Halevavos, shaar ha’bechinah; Rav E lch on on W a s s e rm a n ’ s Kovetz

Ma’amarim, ma’amar a! emunah; C hazon Ish in th e b e g in n in g o f Emunah
U'Bitachon; S te ip le r Gaon, in th e b e g in n in g o f Chayei Olam; Rav D essier’ s
Michtav M iEliyahu, v o lu m e 3, p age 161; Rav S h lo m o W o lb e ’s Iggros U’kesavim
v o lu m e 1, p age 8, le tte r 5.
T H E F IR S T P R IN C IP L E 53

emunah. For exam ple, contem plating the co n flict between the
yetzer to v and the yetzer hara, the conscience, the drive fo r
achievement and honor, and the drive fo r a connection w ith the
Divine strengthen emunah (see Rav Dessler, M ichtav M i’Eiiyahu,
volume 3, page 162).

9. A c t it o u t — act as if you feel it: Say baruch Hashem, b ’ezras

Hashem, th a n k You Hashem, and the like; daven and do the
mitzvos. This w ill eventually awaken your emunah (ibid, volume
3 , page 161).

10. M ental and verbal expression and review: Contemplate your

emunah to deepen it; speak o u t your beliefs as well. Clearly
express it in words to others and declare your emunah openly
even in fro n t o f sceptics, when challenged. This reinforces w hat
you already know and fu rth e r ingrains it inside yourself (Sefer
Hachinuch, mitzvah 25).

11. Emunah discussion: Discuss emunah; say and listen to divrei

Torah about emunah. Tzaddikim found a hint fo r this in the pasuk
(Tehillim 116:10), “ H e'em anti ki adaber, I believed th a t which I had
spoken." This can be explained hom iletically — I believe because I
say words and ideas o f emunah o fte n \

12. Stories: Tell and listen to stories about emunah, miracles, ruach
hakodesh (Divine inspiration) and about the lives o f the Gedolei

5. Rav Shimshon Pincus, Nefesh Shim shon, em unah, page 15; Rav Mordechai
of Lechovich said that to ingrain emunah into your heart it is not s u ffic ie n t to
think thoughts of emunah alone, you also need to verbalize it (see Toras Avos
149, quoted in Beurei Chassidus on Nach 2, Kesuvim page 89 - Chasidah)
54 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Yisrael (The H eart o f Emunah, pg. 249-250 quoting the Steipler and
Brisker Rav).

13. Constant te fiila h : Before everything you do, even before simple
things like buying bread, m ilk or shoes, firs t ask Hashem to help
you. Speak o u t the details; this w ill ingrain in you a firm and lasting
emunah^

14. Look o u t fo r and keep track o f the hashgachah pratis, the Divine
Providence, in your life and in the w orld around you. Also discover
it in the history o f the w orld and especially Jewish history (see
Rejoice 0 ' Youth, page 140, num ber 256; also heard in the name o f
Rav Shlomo Wolbe z t"l).

15. Hisbonenus: Contemplation, m ental imagery, m ental and verbal

review o f emunah inform ation. Learning and reviewing emunah
sources in the Torah and in Chazal (Rav Chatzkel Levenstein z t"l,
Ohr Yechezkel, Emunah, page 202, and in many other places in his
sefarim).

16. Contemplate th a t Hashem is Borei uManhig, i.e., th a t He is the

Creator and Manager o f the w orld (ibid.).

17. Contemplate Brias Ha'olam, the creation o f the w orld, and

constantly review the pesukim in Parshas Bereishis about the
creation (M e 'ir Einei Yisrael, volume 6, page 332, in the name o f
the Chofetz Chaim and Rav Shach).

18. Contemplate Yetzias M itzrayim (Rav Chatzkel Levenstein ibid;

Ramban at the end o f Parshas Bo).

6. T h e Chazon Ish told this to Reb Eiiezer Tzadok Torchin, mentioned by the
well-known speaker Rav Elimelech Biderman shlita in Be’er Ha'parsha, Parshas
Bamidbar.
T H E F IR S T P R IN C IP L E 55

19. Contemplate Kabbalas HaTorah (Ram bam in Iggeres Teiman; Rav

Chatzkel Levenstein).

20. The Chovos Halevavos w rites th a t there is a Torah obligation to

learn and contem plate philosophical and logical proofs o f emunah.
However, many Rishonim and Achronim argue and say th a t it is not
a mitzvah and it can lead to great spiritual harm. In recent times, it
was discouraged greatly by the Chazon Ish, the Steipler Caon and
most recently by Rav Matisyohu Salomon, the Mashgiach o f the
Lakew ood YeshivahT

21. Become fam iliar w ith some basic logical proofs o f emunah and
w rite down fo r yourself the ones th a t you understand (RavShlomo
Wolbe, Alei Shur, emunah, volume 2 page 288; Rav Matisyohu
Salomon, Hearts Full o f Faith page 236).

22. Bitachon: A cting w ith bitachon increases your level o f emunah

(M ichtav Mi'Eliyahu, volume 3, page 163).

23. Dveikus (clinging to Hashem) and shivisi Hashem Tnegdi samid

(placing Hashem in fro n t o f you constantly): A ttach yourself to
Hashem by thinking about Him and your relationship w ith Him
constantly (Rav Dossier, M ichtav MiEliyahu, volume 3, page 163).

24. Self-control: Train your intellect to take control over your m aterial
desires (ta'avot). Use the pleasures o f the w orld to live and
function and do so Tsheim Shamayim, fo r the sake o f Heaven, but
d o n 't g ro w accustomed to extras and luxuries. Doing this w ith
the intention o f preventing the influence o f m aterial desires from

7. Chayei Olam, hakdam ah; Imrei Da'as, volume 2 , page 372; The Heart of
Em unah has a letter from Rav Matisyohu Salomon on this point and discusses
this matter at length.
56 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

swaying yourmind is a fulfillment of the Positive Commandment of

emunah (Rav Elchonon Wasserman, Kovetz Ma'amarim, ma'amar
al emunah).

25• Work on the middos of truthfulness and faithfulness (Rav Dessler,

Michtav MiEliyahu, volume 3, page 162).

26. Improve your level of Shabbos observance. Maybe you need to

learn the halachos again, or perhaps there is a certain leniency
which you should reconsider (Chayei Olam, page 249, new edition).

27. Work on the middah of humility and diminish your ga’avah,

haughtiness (Steipler Gaon, Chayei Olam 110, new edition).

These are many of the ways to fulfill the mitzvah and strengthen your
level of emunah. There are more brought in various sefarim as well.
We live in a time when the streets are full of influences that weaken
our emunah. It is a time when there are many threats to our safety in
general. It is imperative now, more than ever, that we invest ample time
and effort to work on our emunah. By doing so, we will merit vitality,
good life and chayim nitzchi'im — eternal life — as is hinted to in the
words of the navi Chavakuk (2:4), "V ’tzaddik be’emunaso yichyeh, the
tzaddik lives with his emunah." Chaim-life means a life of vitality, good
life in Olam Hazeh as well as eternal life. So too, by constantly bolstering
our emunah we will merit the geulah sheleimah, as the Midrash says
(Mechilta, Beshalach), “ With emunah we will go out of this galus."
T H E S E C O N D P R IN C IP L E 57

THE SECOND PRINCIPLE

HASHEM ^ V H \ \ s v' NI '
GOY ECHAD BA‫׳‬ARE1 C 0 Ml M WISH
NATION IS ONE) ‫ ־‬PART ONE

The Rambam codifies the fundamentals of the Jewish faith in

thirteen principles. Every Jew is obligated to know and believe these
principles. One of the more difficult principles to comprehend is the
second one — the principle of the Oneness of Hashem. Let us start
the discussion on this topic with a disclaimer that this is a very deep
concept. Furthermore, this matter could be easily misunderstood. It
is best that one should discuss this idea in person with a Rav to have
the right clarity, but, b’ezras Hashem, we will certainly shed light on
this important principle. Some of the aspects of this concept are in the
realm of ideas that are vital to know; however, it’s not wise to dwell on
them nor philosophize about them too much.

The Jews throughout the millennia proudly gave up their lives with
the words “ Shema Yisrael... Hashem Echad” on their lips. These words
mean that there is one Creator and Master Controller of the entire
world and all of existence. Hashem is one; Hashem is unique; Hashem is
unparalleled. Let us explain four points about the Oneness of Hashem.

Firstly, Hashem is the one and only G‫־‬d. There is only one Creator and
Master Controller of the entire world. This is proclaimed by all Jews
twice daily and again before going to sleep. Today, even many non-
58 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Jews, Fhavdil, recognize the truth and importance of this fundamental

fact of life. In fact, this principle is the foundation of absolute rights
and wrongs. Since there is only one G-d, His ideas and directives are
the absolute truths and ethics of the world! Without subscribing to
this, the result would be chaos and violence, chas v'shalom. When
Moshiach comes (hopefully very soon) the whole world will recognize
this beautiful and amazing truth. This point about Hashem’s Oneness is
pretty basic and understandable — there is one G-d and no other.

The second point is much deeper — that Hashem is the only “ real”
and solid existence, the only self-sustaining existence. All other beings
and items need to be constantly willed into existence and don’t have
a “ real” or independent, self-sustaining existence. The creations are
all yesh m e i’aym (e x nihilo), which means that we were created out of
ayin, nothingness. This “ nothingness” is our deep essence and it was
developed somehow by Hashem to become “ us.” This was coupled
with the Will of Hashem to create, sustain and maintain our existence
as it is. One can ask, therefore, that since this is the case - what are we?
The answer is that we are an expression of Hashem’s Will and nothing
more (Ritzono Yisbarach uma’amaro hakadosh).

Of course we are “ here” and “ real” according to the rules and systems
created for us by Hashem, but in a sense we don’t truly exist; rather,
only as long as Hashem supernaturally causes us to continue to exist
in the way that we do, then we can be said to exist. The rules of our
existence are very real, and we are very much accountable for how we
lead our lives, but our essence is merely an expression of the Will and
declaration of Hashem.
T H E S E C O N D P R IN C IP L E 59

This is a deep concept describing the Oneness and unique individuality

of Hashem because, as discussed, He is the sole “ true” and real
existence.

The third part of Hashem’s Oneness is also very deep: H ash e m is

called a metzius pashut, a “ simple” existence, while our essense is
murkav, meaning that we are comprised of various parts that together
form our makeup. For example, our “ selves” and our wisdom are two
distinct parts of us. However, Hashem does not have any “ parts,” He
is a unified, self-contained^ Being. All the aspects of Hashem’s being
are one complete, indivisible entity. We can’t even imagine, picture or
explain this, because it is not one of the concepts that Hashem enabled
mankind to grasp, but we are taught and believe that Hashem is a
metzius pashut — an unparalleled Oneness (see Rav Shimshon Pincus
in the beginning of sefer Breichos B'cheshbon).

Let us summarize these three points. Hashem is: 1 one entity and not )
)
two; 2 the only “ real,” absolute, true and self-sustaining Being; and 3)
indivisible — He is not comprised of parts.

The fourth point about Hashem’s Oneness can be understood with a

nice, “ down-to-earth” approach to apply this principle in practice, one
that I once heard in the name of Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz, shlita. We
believe that all that happens in the world stems from one source —
Hashem echad. We need to know and understand that even things that
seem to be “ bad” stem from Hashem, Who, in His infinite wisdom and
kindness, arranges everything that happens anywhere and everywhere
all the time. He alone arranges every aspect and situation in our lives

1. T h e r e is n o t h in g o u t s id e a n d s e p a r a t e o f H a s h e m t h a t c o n t r ib u t e s t o t h e
p e r f e c t a n d a b s o lu t e O n e n e s s o f H a s h e m .
60 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

for our maximum benefit. Both “ good fortune” and “ misfortune” all
stem from one source — Hashem echad.

There is an interesting and practical point that applies to this

discussion of the Oneness of Hashem. We will mention it briefly here;
it is elaborated on further in the next section. We find that there is a
connection and correlation between the Oneness of Hashem and the
unity and oneness of Klal Yisrael. The Jewish Nation is called a goy echad
and an am echad — a unified nation and people — and this is connected
to the concept of Hashem’s Oneness. We say in the mincha Shemoneh
Esrei on Shabbos, “ Attah echad, You, Hashem, are one, vShimcha echad,
and Your Name is one, u'mi k'amcha Yisrael goy echad ba’aretz, and who
can compare to the Jewish Nation, who are ‘one in the land.‫”׳‬

The Manos Halevi (Esther 3:8) writes as follows: Hashem has the
quality of Oneness, as it says in the Torah (Devarim 6:4), “ Hashem
echad,” and Avraham Avinu has the quality of oneness, as taught in
Yechezkel (33:24), “ Echad hayah Avraham” (see also Yeshayah 51:2).
Since Hashem and Avraham Avinu are the sources and roots of the
Jewish Nation, it follows that the Jews also have uniqueness and the
quality of oneness in their very essence and being. In fact, the Torah
calls the Jews goy echad, a unified nation (see Shmuel II, 7:23). In some
sense, all Jews are one unit! Various sefarim discuss how all Jews are
just parts of one whole.

However, it is up to us to maintain our oneness by acting with achdus,

togetherness, with other Jews. The ultimate final redemption — the
geulah sheleimah — depends on us reuniting and developing our
achdus. Our exile today is because of baseless, unwarranted hatred
towards each other. Unfortunately in both past and present times
T H E S E C O N D P R IN C IP L E

there were and are rifts in Am Yisrael. We need to correct these rifts to
merit the geulah and greet Moshiach, speedily in our time.
62 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE SECOND PRINCIPLE

HASHED ECHAD - 6 0 ¥ ECHAD
BA'AIETZ CPART TWO)

In the previous chapter we discussed the concept of the Oneness

of Hashem. We mentioned the idea written by the Manos Halevi that
since the Jews stem from Hashem and Avraham Avinu, who both have
the quality of oneness, therefore, the Jewish Nation is also “ o n e ” —
a unified entity. Let us continue to elaborate on this topic, b ’ezras
Hashem.

We say in the tachanun prayer, “ Shomer goy echad shm or she'eiris

am echad v’al yovad goy echad hamiyachadim Shimcha Hashem Elokeinu
Hashem echad, Protect the Jewish Nation who are one... who proclaim
the Oneness of Your Name, Hashem our G‫־‬d, Hashem is One.”

Inthe minchah prayer on Shabbos we say, “ A tta h Echad-You, Hashem,

are One, v'Shimcha Echad -and Your Name is One, u'm i k'amcha Yisrael
goy echad ba'aretz, and who can compare to Your nation, Yisrael, who
are one nation in the land.” From these words we can clearly see that
there is a connection and link between the Oneness, the “ echad” status
of Hashem, and that of the Jewish Nation. What is the meaning and
underlying message of this?

Rav Dovid Cohen, shlita, in his s e fe r Yimei Purim (m a'am ar 9), sheds
light on this topic, based on many holy sefarim. It is a deep topic, but the
T H E S E C O N D P R IN C IP L E 63

first step is to at least understand the basic meaning of the sources he

quotes and with effort and siyata diShmaya, we will gain better clarity.

As previously mentioned, the Manos Halevi writes that the sources

of the Jewish Nation, Hashem and Avraham Avinu, have the quality of
oneness. So too, he writes, as a result, the Jewish people possess the
quality of oneness.

The Maharal writes in various places that Hashem bestowed the

quality of oneness specifically upon the Jews, and this oneness is a
result of the Oneness of Hashem.

Rav Yitzchak Issac Chaver (drush Parshas Shekalim) writes that the
Jews stem from an upper spiritual sphere which is called sitra diyichuda
— the side of unity and Oneness— whereas the non-Jews, Fhavdil,
stem from a place called olam hapirud — the world of separation.

Rav Chatzkel Levenstein (middos, page 122) and the sefer Sifsei Chaim
(m o'adim 2, page 197) discuss the correlation between the Oneness of
Hashem and that of the Jews. They write that since we Jews are unified
towards one common goal, this unites us as “ one,” and it gives us the
status of nefesh echad, one soul.

(The basic meaning of nefesh echad is mentioned in Chazal regarding

the descent of Yaakov Avinu and his family to Egypt. They were referred
to as nefesh — soul — in the singular, because they were essentially
unified. The basic explanation is that they were “ one” unified group of
people; they were united with one goal and aspiration. Let us explain
this with a deeper approach. Chazal here are also referring to the
unified neshamah o f the Jewish Nation. This means to say that in the
upper spiritual realms and roots of our simpler physical realm, there is
one unified neshamah which encompasses all the Jews together.)
64 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Since as Jews our main role is to proclaim and reveal the unique
“ oneness” of Hashem in the world, this unites the entire Jewish Nation
even more. Perhaps in this light we can understand a statement of
Chazal, that since Jews have a Kell Echad and a Torah echad, therefore
we are an am echad. It is a unified goal, and especially our primary
goal of revealing the Oneness of Hashem, which joins us together and
brings out our intrinsic oneness.

The M a h a ra l (in the beginning of his sefer N erM itzvah) writes that the
main praise that we give Hashem is proclaiming His Oneness. He cites
a pasuk which states that the whole purpose of creation is to praise
Hashem, “ Am zu yatzarti //, tehillasi yisapeiru, This nation I have created
for myself, so that they should relate my praise” (Yeshayah 43:21).

This means that our primary goal in life is to proclaim and praise the
Oneness of Hashem — that e/n od milvado, there is none besides Him.
Everything that exists is just an expression of His Will. Our goal is to
constantly bring more kiyum ritzono — fulfillment of His will — to
fruition.

(Perhaps we can also say that when we are unified here in the olam
ha'asiyah — the world of action and physicality — this in turn affects
our source in the upper spiritual worlds, and we are unified over there
as well [see the Sefer Chareidim, chapter 7, which is a possible source
for this thought].)

This is a very deep subject and requires much thought along with
serious analysis of the sources. Hopefully, our elaboration on the topic
clarified it somewhat and made it more understandable.

We mentioned the amazing words of the Maharal (beginning of Ner

M itzvah) that the purpose of creation was for the creations to praise
Hashem. Which praises are they meant to praise Him with? The main
THE SECOND PRINCIPLE 65

praise is to sing praise about the Oneness of Hashem. Who is fit for
this role? Since the Jews have the quality of oneness, says the Maharal,
therefore they are the only ones who can really fulfill this role! It is thus
our obligation, role and privilege to proclaim and reveal the Oneness of
Hashem in the world.

Rav Dovid Cohen, shlita, explains that there exists what is called
the ha’arah of Hashem, meaning the Divine intervention of Hashem.
This is specifically a reference to the hashra’as haShechinah, the Divine
Presence of Hashem. It includes the hanhagah, the specific guidance
and control, of Hashem in and of our world.

The Ramchal in M a’amar Hachochmah writes: “ Hashem has the quality

of Oneness and His ha’arah — His Divine intervention and bestowal
of goodness and His kindly. Heavenly inspiration and gifts — are not
given to anyone besides those who unite; those who have the quality
of oneness. The Jews, even though they are many individuals, are a
g o y echad, a unified nation. Therefore, this bestowal of Hashem comes
only to them and to others who subjugate themselves to the Jew s.”

The Vilna Gaon writes that the hashra’as haShechinah only rests on
the Jews when they are united with one another (Gra, Mishlei 6:19).

What are some practical applications of this discussion? It requires

us to make e ffo r ts not to quarrel, and instead, to pursue peace. This
applies in our homes, communities and beyond. Say “ no” to machlokes
— controversy and disrespectful disagreements - and spread peace.

What is the source of machlokes? The Ya'aros Dvash (drush 1, brought

in Alei Shur, peirush tefillah) writes that the source of machlokes is
anger. We need to tame and erase our anger, and that will diminish
and remove, b ’ezras Hashem, machlokes from our midst.
66 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Rav Yitzchak Issac Chaver in his drush on Parshas Shekalim (Siach

Yitzchak) writes that the source of machlokes is arrogance and false
pride, as well as a lack of respect and acceptance of other people. We
need to be very careful with the desire and pursuit to be right, on top,
better than others, and self-righteous. We need to learn to appreciate
every Jew for who he is; every Jew is precious. Each and every member
of the Jewish nation is a beautiful flower and a diamond. Together we
are a beautiful garden and a crown of glory for Hashem. Next time you
find yourself looking down on a fellow Jew, chas v’shalom, think: H o w
d o I know w hat Hashem expects fro m him on his level? Am I doing w hat
I should be doing on my level and according to my level o f expectation?

Perhaps we can put these two approaches together as follows: The

root of machlokes is arrogance, but when the quarrel starts, anger is
the fuel that keeps it burning. Let us work to better our middos and
improve our achdus, our unity. This will reveal the Oneness and unity
of Hashem and give us the safety of hashra'as haShechinah. With this
we will surely herald in a time when all will call out together in unison,
“ Hashem echad!”
T '" ' ' ?D PRINCIPLE 67

THE THIRD PRINCIPLE

\\ N -XO" V \ 0

The third principle of our fa ith , as taught by the Rambam in his

Peirush Hamishnayos (Sanhedrin 11), is that we have absolutely no grasp
of the essence of Hashem - not an inkling. We have no descriptions
or definitive characteristics to attribute to His essence, His very being.
Anything we can imagine about His essence — atzmuso Yisbarach, as
it is referred to in our holy sefarim — any description or appearance
or even concept that we attempt to conjure up in our minds, is surely
not true (Ramchal, Da'as Tevunos, number 46, page 35, Rav Friedlander
edition).

Hashem does not take up space (makom). He does not have a clock or
timeline, meaningthatthere is no present, pastandfuture in His personal
world, so to speak. Anything that is said about Him in this respect, even
in pesukim in the Torah, is merely borrowing the terminology of us mere
mortals so that we can relate to what is being conveyed (Rambam, Yad
Hachazakah, Yesodei HaTorah, 1:11-12) or describing His hanhagah, His
control of the world. For example, if the Torah states that Hashem is
angry, it means that He is exhibiting Middas Had in, Strict Judgment,
with the world. As far as Hashem’s essence is concerned, performing
actions or feeling emotions do not exist (Rambam ibid. 1:11), for these,
by their very definition, are definable and tangible and expressions of
change, and are therefore inapplicable to Hashem, who is indefinable
68 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

and unchanging. This is a very deep concept; however, we need to

know this because it is a fundamental principle of Judaism. Even to
say that His essence is similar to the spiritual essence of the angels or
to an intellectual concept such as “ one plus one equals tw o” is a vast
understatement and nothing more than a mortal’s feeble attempt to
do the impossible.

Hashem is all-able, all-powerful and is the Creator, Controller and

manager of the entire world. He is obviously very real — so much so
that He created and maintains what we call “ reality.”

The Rashba in his teshuvos (5:52) writes that this is what we hint to
in the brachos we recite. For example, when we recite the blessing of
shehako! every time we drink a glass of water, we say, “ Baruch Atah
Hashem, You are the source of all blessing Hashem.” In other words,
we are addressing Hashem Himself in f ir s t person! We then continue,
“ shehakol nihiyeh bidvaro, for everything was brought into being by
His word.” This seems puzzling - why the drastic shift from first-person
to third person? The Rashba enlightens us and explains that there are
two great foundations in Judaism. The first is to know that Hashem’s
existence is very true and real, so real that it cannot cease to exist nor
be minimized in any way or form (mechuyav hametzius). On the other
hand, we have no idea or grasp - not even the merest inkling - of His
essence.

This is v e ry m u c h a p a r t o f o u r d a ily a vo das Hashem, i.e., to continuously

internalize and gain an awareness of the Presence of Hashem in the
world and in our lives. We must develop the awareness that He is
the Master and Controller of the world and all events that transpire,
yet at the same time realize that He does not have a body nor the
physical power of the human body (10 g u f v’lo koach baguf). There is no
T '" ' ' ?D PRINCIPLE

corporeality, not even spiritual “ matter,” that is in any way tangible.

This is also to say that Hashem has absolutely no limitations. Every
physical body and fathomable matter has limitations, endures wear and
tear, and finally comes apart at some point. Hashem is totally unlimited,
totally immune to ail weaknesses and is never lacking anything. There
can be no picture of Hashem in our minds and no comparison to any
other item or concept.

Even th e s p iritu a l e sse nce o f th e h o ly T o ra h , th e neshamah, a n d th e

malachim a re v a s tly s e p a ra te , d iffe r e n t a n d d is ta n t fr o m His essence.

T h e y a re all c re a tio n s yesh m i’ayin (e x nihilo — s o m e th in g o u t o f

n o th in g ) . H a sh e m is v a s tly re m o v e d fr o m th e m ail b e ca u se He is th e

C re a to r o f e v e ry th in g else a n d has n o ta n g ib le e ssence t h a t can be

g ra s p e d b y o u r fe e b le a n d lim ite d fra m e o f re fe re n c e a n d c a p a b ilitie s

(se e Nefesh Shimshon, Emunah, p a g e 118 a n d Sifsei Chaim, Biurei Tepllah,

p a g e 77, Birkas Atah kadosh).

T h is to p ic is v e ry d e e p a n d is a lso b a sed o n a f e w o th e r p rin c ip le s .

T h e y a re : 1. Metzius Hashem, H a s h e m ’ s e x is te n c e ; 2. Yichud Hashem,

H a s h e m ’s O n e n e ss; 3. Kadmus v'nitzchiyus, m e a n in g th a t H ashem

a lw a y s e x is te d ; He c re a te d th e e n tire e x is te n c e a n d is tim e le s s a nd
e te rn a l; 4. Issur avodah zarah. T h e p r o h ib itio n a g a in s t id o l w o rs h ip .

It is imperative that one does not tangle himself in a web of doubt

when dealing with this topic. If one has a lack of clarity, it is best to stay
with the basics [as we have tried to present in this chapter] and discuss
these matters with a qualified Rav.

In the recently published biography on Rav Avigdor Miller, z t" f,

there is a section entitled, “ His Best Friend.” The author, Rav Yaakov
Y. Hamburger, shlita, an accomplished and renowned talm id chacham
and m arbitz Torah, describes there how Rav Miller made it clear to all
70 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

that Hashem was literally his best friend. Rav Miller exhorted everyone
to build this beautiful and profound relationship. So, while in one sense
we have no understanding of Hashem’s essence, on the other hand,
Hashem reveals His unlimited powers and abilities to some extent in
the beautiful and vast world in which we live. Rav Miller teaches us,
through the Torah and the teachings of Torah and mussar in each
generation by the Cedolim and Torah educators, how we should relate
to Hashem and how we should cultivate our relationship with Him.
He explains how we can actually experience what it means to have
Hashem as our best friend. Hashem is not just our loving Father and
the one with whom we have the deepest, most meaningful and loving
relationship with, as delineated in the Torah and specifically in Shir
Hashirim. He, the King of all Kings, the Source of everything, whose
Will sustains us every second, is, simply put - our best friend.
T '" ' ' ?D PRINCIPLE

THE THIRD PRINCIPLE

NO BCv^N ^'^OPER RESPEC

The Ramchal in Mesillas Yesharim (chassidus - chaper 19), also

discusses the topic of yiras Shamayim, fear of Heaven. He establishes
that our main focus ought to be achieving yiras haRomemus, namely,
awe of Hashem’s greatness and might. Let us bring some of his words
and glean valuable insights from them. By doing so, we will be able
to put some practical applications of the third principle of the Ani
M a’amins [the prohibition of inappropriate attribution of tangibility to
the essence of Hashem] into practice.

The Ramchal writes as follows: When a person davens or does a

mitzvah, he should contemplate that he is in the immediate presence
of Hashem. This is as it states in M aseches Brachos (28b), “ When you
daven, know before Whom you are standing!” One should focus on
three ideas to internalize yiras haRomemus.

The first idea is to think about the fact that he is literally standing
before Hashem. Additionally, he should contemplate that he is actually
having a real “ give-and-take” with the Creator (nosei v’nosein imo). The
Ramchal points out that we are unable to see Hashem with our eyes
and, therefore, we need to realize that it is very hard to vividly imagine
something which is not tangible to any of our senses. However,
one who is accustomed to utilizing the wonderful gift called seichel,
intellect, which offers man the ability to reason and contemplate, can
72 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

— with a relatively small amount of focus and introspection — gain a

clear awarness of the fact that he is interacting with Hashem in a very
real sense. He can thus gain awareness and even feel that he is actually
“ spending time” with Hashem. He will sense that there is an earnest
“ discussion” taking place between him and his Father in Heaven. It will
be amply clear to him that he is discussing his problems with Hashem,
pleading with Him for relief, and that Hashem is listening carefully
with full attention to his every word. It can be compared to a person
discussing an important matter with a close friend! This is the first step
of yirah, Heavenly fear — to gain awareness of the realness of one’s
“ meeting” with Hashem.

The second idea is to contemplate the immense, awe-inspiring

greatness and might of Hashem. One needs to realize that Hashem is
far greater than any praise he can sing about Him.

Finally, one should contemplate his human frailty and lowly earthy
tendencies, and his many mistakes and sins. These are the three
componentsof developingthe right frame of mind fory/rashaRomemus.
The Ramchal continues and writes that in addition to feeling humility
and bashfulness in Hashem’s presence, there is another aspect to yirah
— exhibiting kavod, the proper respect for Hashem and His mitzvos.
See the words of the Ramchal inside for his elaboration on this matter.

It can be suggested that this topic of yiras haRom em us sheds light on

practical applications of the third principle of emunah— the impossibility
to fathom the essence of Hashem. By gaining awareness of our inability
to perceive Hashem’s vast greatness and intangible essence, we will
thus humble ourselves and negate our opinions and desires in the face
of Hashem and His Will. This is in a certain sense the same, or very
T '" ' ' ?D PRINCIPLE 73

similar, to the avodah of yiras haRomemus, specifically, dwelling on the

greatness of Hashem and our feeble selves in comparison.

Rabbeinu Yonah (Avos 3:14) points out the following; Hashem loves
each and every Jew very much and this is a catalyst for dvekius — a
heightened sense of closeness with Hashem and a spiritual cleaving
to Him. Nevertheless, we must keep a safe distance, know our place
and not become “ casual” with Him, chas v'shalom. Rabbeinu Yonah
explains: One should not think of himself as being a great tzaddik
nor a big rasha, but rather, somewhere in the middle. We all have our
mistakes and need to know our status and place in our relationship
with Hashem. Rabbeinu Yonah concludes that the main objective is to
keep doing good deeds.

Rav Wolbe z t”l (Alei Shur, volume 2, page 153) brings these words of
Rabbeinu Yonah and derives the following lesson from them: A person
should not base his Divine service on his instinctive feelings, i.e., the
spiritual closeness he feels to Hashem. Rather, it should be based
on da’as, on balanced thought and introspection leading to logical
decisions. The inner drive for a spiritual high is often an expression of
a selfish pursuit to feel good and satisfy one’s ego. It generally does
not lead a person to avodah I'sheim Shamayim, Divine service for the
sake of Heaven alone, nor to excel in interpersonal areas of spiritual
self-improvement. One shouldn’t check his “ spiritual high pulse” too
often or force this state of spiritual ecstasy. Instead, through humility,
constant balanced self-improvement and doing all the mitzvos
properly, a person will reach true spiritual heights and true connection
with Hashem.

There is a fine line between misplaced religious fervor and “ spiritual

highs” versus honest yearning for closeness with Hashem. The
74 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

latter is coupled with balanced, thought-out avodah — true spiritual

development and devotion. Usually, one needs a Rav or friend’ to guide
him in his area. Rav Yerucham Levovitz, the famed Mashgiach of the Mir
Yeshivah in Poland, would often caution, “ Just don’t grab malachim,
angels.” On a lighter note, the Beis Halevi has been quoted as saying,
“ So-and-so tried to become a malach — half the job is already done -
he no longer acts like a mentch (a decent human being).” We need to
realize our place in our relationship with Hashem, and to exercise the
right self-nullification and humility in the face of His immense greatness.

Rav Shimshon Pincus z t”l, in his famous sefer, She'arim B ’tepllah

(chilui, page 156), points out the following; On one hand, it’s true that
we approach Hashem in a very direct manner when we daven. In fact,
we get very close, personal and even intimate in our tepllos. However,
we must not forget that the essence of Hashem is totally removed
from our perception. Practically, this requires us to adhere to the
various details of halachic protocol. We need to pay careful attention
to even the seemingly dry and small details regarding tefillah and ail
the mitzvos. We need to be careful not to manipulate the system, so to
speak, with the self-conceived notion that we can reach higher and get
closer to Hashem that way.

One place in the Torah where we learn this lesson is by the tragic
story of Nadav and Avihu. In their greatness, they erred in not taking
guidance from Moshe Rabbeinu how to properly fulfill the halachos
of avodah in the Mishkan, which resulted in their untimely deaths. A
strong yearning for closeness with Hashem, without adherence to the

1. V e r y o f t e n , all i t t a k e s is a g o o d f r ie n d t o p o i n t o u t our b ia s o r u n b a la n c e d
a t t e m p t a t g r o w in g .
T '" ' ' ?D PRINCIPLE 75

“ dry” halachic guidelines, can lead to tragic results. At the very least, it
will hinder s/yata diShmaya, Divine assistance.

In a similar vein, Rav Pincus (ibid, page 155) points out (regarding
nusach hatepllah) that we need to be careful in choosing our words
when we talk to Hashem. It’s usually better to use the words of Chazal,
Tehillim and the many tefiHos that were composed by great Torah
personalities. Of course, we should add personal words and feelings,
but the Torah greats understood which style will best fin d favor in
Hashem’s eyes, as it were.

With Hashem’s help, by internalizing the third principle, i.e., that

Hashem does not have a body nor its limitations, and that we have
no image or picture of Hashem’s essence, we will come to yiras
haRomemus, proper respect and awe for Hashem, His words and His
Will.
76 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE FOURTH PRINCIPLE

KADMUS HASHEM AND ZMAN (HASHEM'S
!''1^1 C l 01 Kv ^ ^ ^ V C'N
WORLD AND THE CONCl ' ' O"' TIME)

Let us discuss the fourth Ani Ma'amin, b'ezras Hashem. It is a deep

subject and hopefully we will be able to elucidate and clarify some
points, at least on our level. This principle is the fundamental of kadmus
Hashem (Hashem’s precedence to the creation of the world), and it is
a yesod, foundation, of our emunah. The main points of this principle
are: 1. Hashem always existed; 2. our world was created by Hashem
out of nothing. Beforehand there was a complete lack of existence,
besides for the existence of Hashem; 3. Hashem created our world by
dint of His own Ration, His Will, and nothing compelled Him to do it.
The author of the A n i Ma'amins adds another point to this principle —
that we must know that Hashem will always be - He is forever and
nothing will outlive Him.

The Rambam in his Peirush Hamishnayos on Sanhedrin (Perek Chelek)

writes as follows: “ We are obligated to believe that the one and only
Hashem is totally kadmon (meaning “ first” or “ always existed” ) and
everything else did not exist as early as He existed.” There are many
sources for this in Tanach. We see this fundamental principle in the
pasuk in s e fe r Devarim (33:27) where it states, “ Me'onah Elokei kedem...
T H E F O U R T H P R IN C IP L E 77

[T h e H e a ve n c a lle d ] Meonah [w a s c h o s e n as a d w e llin g p la ce b y ] G-d,

w h o p re c e d e d all o th e r p e rc e iv e d p o w e rs .”

T h e R a m b a m , a t a la te r p o in t in his life , a fte r w r it in g th e M oreh

Nevuchim, a d d e d o n an a d d itio n a l p o in t t o th is fo u r t h ik a r\ He w rote,

“ A nd you should know th a t the greatest fundam ental o f the entire Toras
Moshe Rabbeinu is th e fu n d a m e n ta l o f chiddush ha'olam — c re a tio n e x
n ih ilo — t h a t H ash e m c re a te d a n d fo r m e d o u r w o r ld a fte r th e re w a s a

c o m p le te a b s e n c e o f e x is te n c e . A n d th e re a s o n b e h in d th e o p in io n o f
th e p h ilo s o p h e rs re g a rd in g th e w o r ld ’ s o rig in s is d iscu sse d a t le n g th in

th e Morah Nevuchim o n ly b e c a u s e it a d d s c la rity t o th e fo u n d a tio n o f

H a s h e m ’s e x is te n c e (metzius Hashem)."

T h e A b a rb a n e l, in his sefer Rosh Amanah (c h a p te r 16), e x p la in s th a t

in th is p rin c ip le th e R a m b a m is te a c h in g us t w o p o in ts . T h e fir s t is th a t

H ash e m a lw a y s e x is te d . O n a d e e p e r le v e l, i t ’s n o t ju s t th a t H ashem

a lw a y s e x is te d , b u t ra th e r, t h a t He c re a te d zman — tim e . This m e a n s

t h a t th e w h o le c o n c e p t o f “ f ir s t a n d la s t” o n ly e x is ts in o u r w o r ld —

a w o r ld o f tim e , spa ce a n d m a tte r - th e p h y s ic a l w o r ld . P a rt o f th e

c re a tio n o f th is w o r ld w a s th e c re a tio n o f tim e . H o w e v e r, b e fo re

H ash e m c re a te d tim e , n o th in g c o u ld be said t o ha ve b e e n c re a te d f ir s t

o r la st. Even a ft e r H ash e m c re a te d tim e . He is n o t b o u n d b y it, a n d f o r

H im , tim e ju s t d o e s n o t e x is t. T h e re fo re , w h e n w e say H ash e m w a s

fir s t, it re a lly m e a n s t h a t He e x is te d b e fo re tim e w a s c re a te d .

T h e s e c o n d p o in t o f th is fu n d a m e n ta l is w h a t is c a lle d chiddush

ha’olam. This m e a n s t h a t th e e n tire e x is te n c e w a s w ille d in to e x is te n c e

b y H ash e m o u t o f n o th in g , a ft e r a c o m p le te a b se n ce o f all e x is te n c e

.
1 T h is a d d it io n is b r o u g h t in t h e a m a z in g t h r e e - v o lu m e s e fe r, D a ’as E m u n a h

b y R a v R a k o w s k i, in t h e b e g in n in g o f t h e f o u r t h ikar in v o lu m e o n e , a n d is f i r s t

b r o u g h t in t h e R a m b a m ’ s P e i ru s h H a m is h n a y o s , Mahaduras R’ K a p a c h .
78 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

besides for Hashem Himself. This includes knowing that zman, time
itself, is also one of Hashem’s creations. The s e fe r Da'as Emunah
(volume 1, page 361) points out that the Abarbanel understood the
Rambam to be saying that the belief in chiddush ha'olam is included in
this principle of faith, even though he did not see the later addition of
the Rambam. (In fact, the S e fe r Ha'ikrim [Rav Albo] asks and discusses
why the Rambam leaves out chiddush ha'olam from the thirteen ikrim .
From this we see that it is not clearly deliniated in the fourth ikar.)

Each and every day during davening (Baruch She'amar) we say baruch
oseh (the One who makes) bereishis (the creation). What does this praise
mean? If we would say asah ma'aseh bereishis, we would understand
that it means that we are praising Hashem, who performed the acts
of creation during the six days of creation. However, the reference to
making bereishis is hard to understand.

The Siach Yitzchak (Siddur /she; Yisrael) poses this question and
answers the following: All the elements in our world need time (zman)
to maintain their existence. Therefore, an integral part of brias ha'olom ,
the creation, was the creation of time. Before creation there was no
such thing as time; thus, time limits, beginnings or ends could not exist.
When Hashem created time, that’s when it first became possible to
have a beginning of a world that is constantly moving along a pattern
of time, along with all the creations which depend on time to exist.

With this we can go back and explain the nusach hatefillah mentioned
above. When we say Hashem made bereishis, we are saying that
Hashem made “ the beginning” (bereishis literally means “ in the
beginning” ) and that which follows subsequently as well — meaning
that Hashem made zman itself. He made time; He created a beginning,
a continuation, a future and the possibility of a finishing point.
T H E F O U R T H P R IN C IP L E

With this, the Siach Yitzchak explains the famous beginning of

the Chumash in a new light. He writes that “ Bereishis bar a Elokim es
hashamayim ve’es ha’aretz” can be translated to mean that by creating
zman, Hashem made it possible to have the creation of shamayim
and aretz, the heaven and earth. This also explains the words we say
in Aleinu, “ laseis gedulah I’Yotzer bereishis” — we attribute greatness
to Hashem, who created time (see also Sifsei Chaim, tefiHah, baruch
she'amar and aleinu).

Time, like every other created phenomenon — was made by Hashem

out of nothing — yesh mei'ayin. Hashem Yisbarach is above and beyond
time. It is not just that He always was and existed before everything
else; rather He exists at a point where there is no before and after. He
created past, present and future.

The sefer Da'as Emunah points out that zman requires other created
phenomena in order to exist and cannot exist alone.

The concept of time is a very deep one. One can learn more about it in
the wonderful s e fe r Da'as Emunah (volume 1, ikar 4) mentioned above.
He writes that one practical lesson about time is that fulfilling our
purpose in this world depends on it. We need to use our present time
to prepare for the afterlife in Olam Haba. Our lives are one big process,
a culmination of constant building, input, effort and growth. Avodas
Hashem is a gradual process; we constantly plan and build ourselves
and our Olam Haba, one step at a time.

The sefarim hakedoshim teach that the gem atria, the Hebrew
numerical value of zman, is the exact same as adam and beheimah
— man and animal — together. We can suggest a lesson from this
gem atria as follows: The pasuk says (lyov 11:12), “ Pera adam yevaled, a
person when born is [likened to] a wild animal.” We have tremendous
80 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

energy and drive, but it’s raw and unorganized. If we plan right and
use our time properly, we will change this beheim ah into an adam
hashaleim, a completely refined human being. He will become a person,
who despite a modest beginning, having been formed from adam ah,
dust of the earth, can proclaim adameh FElyon, that he has uplifted
the adam ah within him until he has reached the level of emulating
(adam eh) the Sublime One, Hashem. We will then merit hearing the
future announcement, “ Mezum'm (which also includes the word z m a n !)
I’chayei Olam Haba, [You are] invited to Olam Habal”
T H E F O U R T H P R IN C IP L E 81

THE FOURTH PRINCIPLE

<H ^1‫ י‬XV -V V

V X' ON) AND YESH m r m iN (EX NIHILO)

The fourth ikar of our emunah is to believe that Hashem always

existed and, furthermore, to know that Hashem created our world out
of nothing. In the words of the Ramban, as brought in the s e fe r Da'as
Emunah (volume 1, page 394): “ Hakadosh Baruch Hu created (bara) all
the creations (nivra'im ) out of absolute nothingness and a complete
void (afisa muchletes) ... the only way to say such a thing, bringing
things forth (yesh) out of nothingness (m i'ayin) is with the word bara”
(Ramban, Bereishis 1:1). This topic is very deep, but let us discuss a few
points and, b ’ezras Hashem, we will grow in our understanding of this
fundamental of our emunah.

As is very well known, th e Torah in Parashas Yisro (20:8-11) establishes

and teaches us about the gift of Shabbos. It states, “ ... to observe the
uniquely special Shabbos.” We learn from the pasuk that we always need
to keep the Shabbos day in mind. We should not think about mundane
things on Shabbos. We abstain from melachah on Shabbos. What is the
yesod o f Shabbos? The pasuk says, “ It is to show that Hashem created
the whole world in six days and He rested on Shabbos.”

The Chofetz Chaim, in his hakdamah to Mishnah Berurah hilchos

Shabbos and in other places too, elaborates on the topic of Shabbos. Let
us bring some of his words and elaborate on them. The Chofetz Chaim
82 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

writes: “ The Torah is teaching us in these pesukim that essentially,

Shabbos is the shoresh, the foundation, of our emunah. Which aspect
of emunah? The emunah that the world is mechudash — that Hashem
created the world out of nothing and after an absolute void - ex nihilo;
that Hashem decided to make a world, and He created it yesh mi'ayin.
Now, since Hashem created the entire existence, it follows that He is
the boss over everything. We are His servants and are totally obligated
to serve Him. We are always obligated to carry out His Will. We must
serve Him with all our abilities — physical, spiritual, emotional and
monetary — because everything is His.”

“ Since Shabbos is the foundation of our emunah,” continues the

Chofetz Chaim, “ the Torah repeats twelve times the importance and
obligation to keep Shabbos. This also explains why keeping Shabbos is
considered equal to keeping the entire Torah and, in contrast, a breach
in shmiras Shabbos, Heaven forbid, undermines the entire Torah —
because as mentioned, Shabbos is the yesod of our entire faith.

“ This is why the consequence for chillul Shabbos is harsher than for
any other aveirah — a mechallel Shabbos is stoned. So too, unlike most
other aveiros, a m um m er regarding Shabbos observance — i.e., one
who freely and publicly desecrates the Shabbos, Heaven forbid —
acquires the status of a goy for various halachos of the Torah. Again,
this is because chillul Shabbos is a denial of Hashem’s creation of the
world yesh m i’ayin.”

The Chofetz Chaim is telling us very clearly that Shabbos makes us

internalize and connect more deeply with emunah in chiddush ha'olam
and that this is the very root and foundation of emunah o f the entire
Torah. Rav Shimshon Pincus z t” l discusses and explains this concept at
T H E F O U R T H P R IN C IP L E 83

length in his Shabbos Malkesa (chelek 2, perek 1). Here are some of his
points:

Rav Pincus explains that Shabbos shows us that Hashem created the
world out of nothing. He shows how Shabbos enables us to avoid the
mistaken thought that things just always existed. It makes us realize
that before the creation, Hashem was all alone and He decided to
create our world, each and every part of it, even the most raw and
original substance of it - all out of complete nothingness. Rav Pincus
explains that by ceasing to create on Shabbos, Hashem showed that
He was the one who started the creation. He started it with His Will
and decision and then He chose to stop on Shabbos. Each and every
Shabbos we deepen our connection with this tremendous fundamental
of our Judaism.

Another important point is that we must realize that when it comes

to matters of emunah, we need to put aside o u r g a ‫׳‬avah, our arrogance,
and acknowledge that, honestly speaking, we know very little about
Hashem’s amazing powers and His creation of our world. We should
just step back in awe, humiliation and admiration for Hashem’s majestic
power and the tremendous beauty and intricacy of His creation. Let
us learn and review again and again the special pesukim in Parshas
Bereishis. This will help us absorb and internalize the facts and details of
brias ha'olam, giving us intimate knowledge of the six days of creation
— those six days when Hashem created everything that exists in the
most amazing and wonderful world that we enjoy and benefit from so
much (See Ramban in Bereishis 1:3; Rash/, Chagigah 12; Rosh Hashanah
11a; Bamidbar Rabbah 14:7; and the sefer Chaim Be'emunasam by Rav
Reuven Schmeiczer.)
84 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Another important point made by the Rambam and others is that

emunah in chiddush ha’olam is a necessary prerequisite for emunah in
nissim — the fact that Hashem made and makes nissim, supernatural
miracles. On a simple level this can be explained that since Hashem
made the world, He also controls it and can manuever it however He
wants. Another point is that since He started the creation out of nothing,
it follows that nothing is automatic; rather, everything is guided and
controlled by Hashem, down to the tiniest details. Therefore, He can
change nature whenever and however He chooses to. (See Rambam,
end of Bo, where he writes that the opposite is also true — nissim show
that Hashem made the world out of nothing and as a pure result of His
Will.) (See Da'as Emunah, volume one, page 363 and the Rambam in
Iggeres Teiman.)

We can suggest that the next time we sit by our Shabbos table and bite
into the delicious Shabbos food, surrounded by our wonderful family,
we should stop and pay attention to the words we say in Kiddush and
its message to us — that Hashem created all this out of nothing, for
us to enjoy, so that we should recognize Him, emulate Him and aspire
ever higher in our avodas Hashem.
THE 1' -'R IN C IP L E 85

THE FIFTH PRINCIPLE

>I I m s H ip - k e e p i n g a w a y from

Z A I U S , P N F R I E N P L I N E S S AND A V O D A H Z A R A H

The Rambam in his Peirush Hamishnayos (Sanhedrin Perek Chelek)

teaches as follows: The fifth principle of the thirteen principles of
faith is 10 livado ha’avodah. True avdus, worship is only to Hashem;
Divine service must be directed to Hashem alone and not to any other
perceived powers. Included in this is: We serve Hashem, we glorify
Him (I'gadlo), we publicize His greatness, and we perform His mitzvos
(commandments). It is forbidden to conduct ourselves in such a manner
to anyone or anything else. This includes malachim (angels), the stars,
galaxies (galgalim) and the yesodos — the various building blocks of
Hashem’s creation (eish, ruach, afar and mayim — fire, wind, dust and
water). We must realize that all of these do not have any independent
powers or decision-making abilities. Hashem is the only independent
and Almighty power, and He alone is the source of all energy, matter
and movement. He is completely in control of all aspects of the entire
world.

So too, continues the Rambam, it is forbidden to serve any of

Hashem’s creations as a form of intermediary between us and Him;
rather, we must focus our Divine service only and directly to Hashem
Himself, disregarding all the other creations. The Rambam concludes
86 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

that this principle is really the prohibition against avodah zarah (idol
worship) and that this aveirah is repeated many times in the Torah.

In the Ani Ma'amins in the siddur, this yesod is taught regarding

prayer, i.e., that we must focus our prayers to Hashem alone and not
to any other perceived powers.

Now, the obvious question is that idol worship doesn’t seem to pose
much of a temptation for the average Jew in today’s day and age’.
So what practical message could a present day Jew learn from this
principle? It would seem that the thirteen principles should have far
reaching practical applications, pertinent in every generation, since
the Torah’s lessons are eternal. Furthermore, a large portion of Tanach
deals with idol worship, and the Gemara in Meglltah (14a) teaches that
only the prophesies which were applicable for future generations were
recorded.

Let us suggest the following, b ’ezras Hashem: It’s well known that one
of the basics of Judaism is tikkun hamiddos — character development
and self-improvement. Rav Chaim Vital, in the beginning of his s e fe r
Sha’arei Kedushah, writes that middos tovos are a prerequisite and
foundation for all the mitzvos of the Torah.

There is one middah which seems to be singled out as a very

important aspect of middos refinement. Chazal equate anger with the
transgression of avodah zarah. They say (Zohar Bereishis 27b), “ K ol
hako'es k'ilu oved avodah zarah — anyone who becomes angry is as if
he served idolatry.”

1.In truth, there are certain forms of alternative medicines and energy
healing which contemporary poskim have ruled to be forms of avodah zarah
and other related prohibitions.
THE 1' -'R IN C IP L E 87

The basic explanation forthis is that one who gets angry is worshipping
himself. He thinks that he is so high and mighty that everything
has to go his way. Another basic explanation is that getting angry
indicates that he views the thing or person that triggered his anger
as an independent force and, Heaven forbid, not an act of Hashem’s
hashgachah. We will now bring a different and deeper explanation. We
will see how anger, which is a form of avodah zarah, presents a very
integral part of our nisyonos hachaim, our life challenges, and is a very
fundamental concept in Judaism indeed.

Rav Shlomo Wolbe zt"l [in his sefarim Alei Shor (part 2, page 82), and
Bern Sheishes La’asar, and in the first section of M a’amarei Yemei Ratzon
(Da'as Shlomo), and especially in the ma'amar that he printed in the
sefer Beshvilei Harefuah] discusses this concept and establishes the
following fundamental idea.

If we were to give a concise, definitive description of Toras Yisrael, it

would be olam hayedidus — the world of friendship. There is a great
connection and closeness between the Jews and Hashem. We normally
don’t approach Hashem as if He were an aloof, important visitor; but
rather, in the manner that a child approaches a devoted and loving
father. Let us elaborate on this point.

The Gemara in Menachos (53a) says, “ Yavo yedid ben yedid v'yivneh
yedid I'yedid b’che/ko she! yedid v'yiskapru bo yedidim .” The basic
translation for this is, “ Let the friend, the son of the friend, come and
build the ‘friend,’ in the portion of the friend, and it will be a place of
atonement for the friends.” The G em ara explains that the six yedidim
(friends) mentioned here are referred to as such based on pesukim
from Tanach and divrei Chazal. The “ friends” Chazal are referring to
are Hashem, Shlomo Hamelech, Avraham Avinu, the Beis Hamikdash,
88 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Binyamin, and the Jews. Chazal are saying as follows: Let Shlomo
Hamelech, the descendant of Avraham Avinu, come and build for
Hashem the Bets Hamikdash in the portion of Binyamin, so that the
Jews can have a place for atonement.

The Cemara is describing a beautiful world of yedidus — friendship,

closeness and connection — starting with Hashem and Avraham Avinu,
continuing with Shlomo Hamelech and manifesting itself in the Bets
Hamikdash, the place of yedidus for the Jewish Nation.

This close relationship is not one-sided. Avraham Avinu and the

following generations of Jews came close to Hashem and Hashem came
close to us. He gave us His precious Torah and rested His Shechinah, the
Divine Presence, in our midst. We can clearly feel the kirvas Hashem,
closeness of Hashem, which we call the Shechinah, accompanying us
in all the various eras throughout our history. In all our exiles, Hashem
accompanies us (see Megillah 29a). Kirvas Hashem is a very real and
tangible aspect of our lives; even our physicality is uplifted by it.

Yedidus also plays a role between man and his fellow man. Chazal
(Shabbos 31a) relate the famous lesson that Hillel taught a convert,
encapsulating the entire Torah while “ standing on one foot” - “ Don’t
do to others what you don’t like done to you. This is the entire Torah;
the rest is commentary.” From this we see that there is one central,
underlying concept in the whole Torah — friendship, to be closely
connected to all other Jews. Rav Wolbe elaborates that included in this
concept is that even when yedidus, in the true sense, is inappropriate,
we must still respect and relate positively to others and even to various
elements of creation. We interact with non-Jews with various darkei
Shalom, peaceful relations, enacted for us by Chazal. We also treat
animals with the proper care and sensitivity (tza ’ar ba’alei chaim). This
THE 1' -'R IN C IP L E 89

can be summed up by the mishnah in Avos (4:3), “ Don’t scorn and

belittle people and things, for every person has his time and every
object has its place.”

The Torah life is a world of yedidus — positive connections, living

with an overall attitude of friendliness and appropriate closeness
and connection, and at least respecting and caring for everyone and
everything that we come into contact with.

This is not an abstract theory; it actually obligates us to perform many

specific actions delineated to us by the Torah, the Shulchan Aruch and
the sifrei mussar in great detail. The Torah gives us a whole spectrum of
mitzvos, and all the mitzvos either stem from yedidus or lead to yedidus!
There are even special laws to treat cardinal sinners in the correct
manner — justice tempered with mercy as the pasuk states (Bamidbar
35:25), v'hitzilu ha'eidah, the “ assembly,” meaning the beis din, Jewish
court of law, should [attempt to] save him [the murderer]” ^

The mitzvos are the framework of how we create and maintain the
correct relationships between man and Hashem, man and his fellow
man, and man and himself. These can be included in the famous three
pillars of the world: Torah, avodah — Divine service, and gemilus
chassadim - acts of kindness. Torah refers to man’s relationship
towards h im s e lP ; avodah, to man’s relationship with Hashem; gemillus
chassadim, to man’s relationship with his fellow man.

2. There are many details involved, but this is not the framework for
elaboration on this matter.
3. The G e m a r a in Kiddushin (30b) teaches that Torah study resolves the inner
moral conflict in man [it is the tavlin, the antidote for the yetzer hara]. The
pasuk in Tehillim (19:8) states that Torah [study] restores the soul (meshivas
90 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

The Torah is full of kirvah — vibrant, warm and “ live” interactions

and relationships. One who enters a shul is [ideally] mesmerized by the
obvious “ real” conversations taking place between the silent swaying
men and their Creator. The humble and sincere supplications to Hashem
and the realness of the meeting with Hashem that is taking place is
tangible. We can also experience the realness and live connection with
Hashem in the vibrant bate! midrash - seeing the fiery discussions when
learning Cemara, as well as at the many vibrant Yiddishe simchos. Our
Torah is not a bunch of rules and pompous ceremonies, but a real “ live”
and vibrant olam hayedidus!

The importance of lev [literally meaning “ heart,” a phrase utilized by

the baalei mussar and chassidus to imply incorporating emotion into
our avodas Hashem] is very much taught and discussed in many sefarim,
and was especially stressed by the masters of mussar and chassidus.

Every Jewish child is brought into the olam hayedidus at his bris milah,
when we make special mention of his status of yedidus, saying, “ Asher
kideish yedid m ibeten ... Keil chai chelkeinu tzavei I’hatzil yedidus
shi'areinu mishachas, [Hashem] who sanctified the friend from the
womb... therefore, our living G-d, our portion, command to save our
beloved relative from destruction.” All this is but a small window into
the beautiful, warm world of the olam hayedidus, the world of Toras
Yisrael. Learn about it and you will see the many beautiful aspects of this
wonderful world. [Rav Wolbe’s sefarim have an extensive discussion
on this topic.]

On the other hand, there is an opposite, corresponding force in a

person called zarus, disconnection. The Cemara in Shabbos (105b)

nafesh), and it makes the simple one wise (machkimas pessi). The seforim
hakdoshim teach that Torah study purifies and perfects a person.
THE 1' -'R IN C IP L E 91

teaches, “ One who tears clothing or breaks dishes or throws out money
in his anger, it is as if he is engaging in avodah zarah, idol worship!”
This is the method of the yetzer hara. In the beginning he says do this
and this, and then he moves on to worse things, until he convinces a
person to serve idols. The Cemara brings a source from Tanach for this,
as it says (Tehilim 81:10), “ Lo yihyeh bicha eil zar v'lo tishtachaveh I'eil
neichar, you should not have within yourself a false god nor should you
bow to one.” Which eil zar, false god is inside a person? The answer is
- the yetzer hara.

The Cemara is defining the essence of evil (ra) as the force of “ zarus”
in a person. A person is comprised of many natural feelings and
deep emotions such as love, fear, and many others. These are called
“ kochos.” The natural feeling, impulse and drive that brings a person
to disconnect and causes distance between the various feelings and
drives in a person is called zarus, from the word zar, strange. Eventually,
this zarus causes separation and disconnection between a person and
other people, and ultimately, even creates a rift between him and
Hashem! By referring to the yetzer hara as eil zar, Chazal and the Torah
are telling us the source of his power — the ability to utilize the koach
o f zarus to create an imbalance in the person and to “ disconnect” him.
This happens when a person grows extremely angry and it can happen
with other middos ra'os, negative character traits, as well (see Niddah
13b). It seems that it’s more prone to occur with anger, and thus Chazal
actually consider anger to be a form of avodah zarah!

Instead of using all of the various impulses, drives, emotions, feelings,

traits and states of mind in a balanced, unified way, according to the
Torah’s guidance and the seiche! ha'adam, human intellect, the angry
person uses the power of zarus disproportionately, causing a rift and
92 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

a disconnection. He is no longer in touch with himself or with other

people, and most unfortunate of all, he loses his connection to Hashem.

Serving idols is a severe expression of disconnection from Hashem

and animosity, as it were, towards Him. Thus, the underlying cause of
anger (and extremely negative middos) is the same underlying feeling
of the idol worshiper. Now we can understand how anger leads a
person to the ultimate low of avodah zarah.

If a person doesn’t live in the olam hayedidus, he will slowly develop the
opposite traits— the zarus, the apathy, the coldness and disconnection.
This develops gradually, f ir s t as contempt and indifference to other
people, then leading to cruelty and selfishness, and finally to various
forms of cruelty — complete zarus, when the person completely loses
touch, even with himself.

This is a very deep topic, and it is wise to look inside the sources to
understand it properly. What we have written is just a glimpse into the
topic.

With Hashem’s help, let us inspire ourselves to develop this aspect of

the thirteen principles, and to fully distance ourselves from all forms
of idol worship and zarus. Let us develop and build the olam hayedidus
of the Torah. Let us appreciate, respect and connect, to really be in
touch with ourselves. Let our Torah teachers, Torah knowledge and
our intellect guide all the aspects of our personalities and emotions, to
balance our wide range of feelings and drives. Let us connect and build
the right relationship with our inner world and with other people. Most
of all, let us shun all of the perceived yet illegitimate intermediarys and
develop a close, warm and vibrant connection directly with Hashem.
T H E S IX T H P R IN C IP L E 93

THE SIXTH PRINCIPLE

N EV U A H (PAR T ONI ^

The sixth principle of our emunah as delineated by the Rambam is the

concept of nevuah — prophecy.

There is an interesting paradox in this concept. On one hand, we fin d

that it is perhaps the most widespread supernatural and abstract idea
and that most people don’t seem to have difficulty with the concept. On
the other hand, it is one of the most difficult of all ideas and concepts
to discuss and explain — how the Almighty, Omnipotent G-d, Master,
Creator and Controller of the entire world, whose essence is beyond
all description, and who is totally intangible to our frame of reference,
communicates in a very direct manner with a mere mortal, a being of
flesh and blood.

The Ramban in Parshas Yisro (19:9) emphasizes how the Jews always
believed in nevuah. He writes, “ For the descendants of Avraham Avinu
do not have any doubts regarding nevuah, for they received the belief
in nevuah from their parents and ancestors.” The Ramban continues
and addresses a difficulty regarding this. If the Jewish Nation already
believed in nevuah, then why, before Kabbalas HaTorah, did Hashem
say that through the great event at Sinai the Jews will come to believe
in the nevuah o f Moshe? This implies that they doubted nevuah. The
Ramban answers that Hashem was telling them that He will show them
nevuah firsthand; they will experience nevuah themselves, as opposed
94 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

to just hearing about it from others. Furthermore, they will be shown

that Moshe Rabbeinu is on a greater level of nevuah than they are.

We see how shortly after Yetzias M itzrayim , despite being exiled

in Egypt for over two hundred years, despite over eighty years of
slave labor and oppression, and after being exposed to the worst
depravities practiced by their hosts and taskmasters, still, every single
Jew believed in n e vua h , having been raised with this firm belief. This
serves to illustrate how nevuah was always widespread and common
knowledge, and perhaps it explains why even today it is so, because it
was always a strong part of our mesorah. [Incidentally, Fhavdil, millions
of goyim always believed in nevuah (Rav Avigdor Miller, Rav Laurence
Keleman).]

On the other hand, nevuah is one of the most difficult concepts to

fathom, as we can see from the Rambam. The Rambam writes in Peirush
Hamishnayos (Sanhedrin, Perek Chelek) that this particular principle of
faith would require a lengthy explanation, and to discuss the method
for attaining nevuah is the totality of all wisdom. (Also see Ohr Hachaim,
Parshas Yisro, “ v’gam b'cha ya'am inu").

The reason that nevuah is a fundamental principle of emunah is

obvious, perhaps more than many of the other thirteen. Every system
in the world tries to base their theories on truth and practicality as much
as they can. They wish they could have some Divine guidance to lay the
groundwork of their beliefs and axioms of life. In fact, many people
invented fake stories and pretended to be prophets or messengers
from G-d to garner and bolster the support of a following. Obviously,
nothing could be better than G-d-given advice.

Nevuah means that the Master, Creator and Controller of the world
communicated with humans. Nevuah was with complete clarity. The
THE SIXTH PRINCIPLE 95

navi had no doubts that Hashem was communicating with him and knew
and understood exactly what was being conveyed to him (see Derech
Hashem, chelek 3, 4:1, and see also the entire fourth perek'). Hashem
gave the navi clear guidance and expressed His Will on all matters of life.
Since there was nevuah, and with all the nevuos that were preserved to
guide us, we can rest assured that our lives are molded in accordance
with the words of Hashem, through the Torah and the nevi'im, and that
they are of maximum productivity and successfulness. We have the
absolute truth exactly as delineated by the Will and word of the Ribono
She! Olam to us.

1. Also see Rambam Yesodei HaTorah 7:3.

96 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

T H E S IX T H P R IN C IP L E

ME\ V v^t I U Jl V\

The Kuzari writes t h a t A m Yisrael is an am segulah, a unique nation,

different than all others. The Kuzari explains this as follows: There are
four categories in the world: 1. inanimate (such as stones); 2. Plant
life; 3• animals; and 4. people. Each category is essentially different. A
flower is not a rock-plus; it’s a whole different category.

The Kuzari goes on to prove that there is a fifth category — Am

Yisrael. We see this from the extreme greatness of Moshe Rabbeinu;
his greatness reflects, to some extent, that the essence of all Jews
must be of an entirely different nature than that of the nations of the
world (1:27-1:43).

It is popular to explain that one of the main aspects of Moshe

Rabbeinu’s greatness, which establishes the great essence of every
Jew, was his nevuah. Every Jew is a potential navi, and is greatly
empowered because of his nevuah potential (see the peirush Otzar
Nechmad on this point). Rav Mordechai Neugroschel adds to this idea
that the Kuzari holds that only a Jew can be a navi, and that even a g e r,
a convert, cannot become a navi. (The meforshim discuss how Ovadiah
became a navi despite having been a ger.)

This is an amazing idea — that the greatness of (potentially) receiving

nevuah is a defining factor of the essence of each and every Jew. The
more we learn about nevuah, the sixth principle of emunah, the more
T H E S IX T H P R IN C IP L E 97

we can gain a glimpse into the essential greatness and potential of

every Jew.

Rav Yaakov Kaminetzky, z t” l (Ernes L'Yaakov, Parshas Shemos 2:7)

is quoted to have said that the Rema in Yoreh Deah (817‫ )־‬rules that a
Jewish child should not be nursed by a non-Jewish woman, because
of her impure milk. One source given for this is the Midrash Rabbah
(Shemos 1:25) which relates that Moshe Rabbeinu, as a baby, refused
non-Jewish milk. “ Hashem said, ‘The mouth that is destined to speak
with Me should nurse from impure milk?” ‫ ׳‬Since Moshe Rabbeinu was
destined for nevuah it was not appropriate that his mouth should nurse
impure milk. The implication of this source is astonishing. We see that
every Jewish child can reach this lofty level — to be groomed being
worthy of nevuah — and thus he should not nurse non-Jewish milk!
This is the proper attitude towards raising any Jewish child — that he is
“ the mouth that is destined to speak with Me.” Every Jew is a potential
navi.

Rav Shlomo Lorencz, zt”l, once proposed to the Chazon Ish, that
perhaps they should make special yeshivos for gifted and promising
students, and other yeshivos for mediocre students. The Chazon Ish
was adamantly opposed to the idea, saying, “ Each Jewish child can be
a gadol!” (In Their Shadow, pg. 26)

It is important to realize and internalize that we have tremendous

greatness dormant within us. We just need to believe in it more and
work harder than we have in the past in order to bring it out.

In the beginning of the seferYonas/le/m, RavYonah Minsker(Karpilav),

z t”l, Hy” d, brings an amazing idea from Rav Yerucham Levovitz, zt”l, the
98 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

famous Mirrer Mashgiach.' On the one hand, we have within ourselves

tremendous greatness; yet on the other hand, each new level that we
ascend to in our avodas Hashem is, in essence, a bri'ah chadashah — a
new creation. It is our role in life to constantly bring out these deep and
hidden new powers from within ourselves.

Yes, we have great potential, and we need to become more aware

of it. Rav Wolbe zt” ! said over in the name of his great Rebbe, Rav
Yerucham, “ Woe to a person who does not acknowledge his faults,
double woe if he does not realize his good qualities and abilities.”

The Chovos Halevovos in cheshbon 21 of Cheshbon Hanefesh writes

as follows; “ A person should make sure that he is doing all that he is
able to do in avodas Hashem. So too, he should yearn to be given new
heights and abilities to accomplish even more than his present abilities.
We see from this how important it is to strive for great heights and to
realize that we can go so much higher. Certainly, at least when it comes
to our children and to others, let us believe in them and give them the
greatest opportunity to really shine.”

The Tanna D'bei Eliyahu (2 5 ) writes, “ Every single Jew is obligated

to say, ‘When will my actions reach those of my forefathers Avraham,
Yitzchak and Yaakov?” ‫ ׳‬This Midrash is urging us to strive for the loftiest
levels, even that of our great Avos. This certainly indicates our great
and vast potential for growth.

The famous Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivas Kaminetz, Rav Baruch Ber

Leibowitz, zt” l, said over from his great Rebbe, Rav Chaim Brisker, z t ” l,
the following: “ It is the obligation of parents to raise their children to

1. Rav Yonah w a s k n o w n as th e g re a te s t o f all th e yeshivah b a ch u rim in p re-

w a r E urope a nd w a s tra g ic a lly m u rd e re d by th e Nazis, yem ach shem am .
T H E S IX T H P R IN C IP L E 99

be Gedolim!” In fact, my grandmother Mrs. Rivkah Freedman a” h used

to always wish us grandchildren, “ You should be a Gadol b'Yisrael.”

Let us learn about the greatness of a navi and realize our potential
greatness. Let us remind ourselves time and time again that yes, we
can become much greater than we are now. Each and every Jew can
achieve true gadlus. It’s true that, on one hand, we need to feel happy
with our achievements and appreciate our efforts, yet we must never
yield in our dreams and aspirations for gadlus, whether for ourselves
or others.

May we merit seeing the words of the Tanchuma, M ik e itz (2 ) come

true. There it states, “ Hashem said,‘In this world only specific individuals
have nevuah; in the World to Come nevuah will be given to everyone.’”
100 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE SIXTH PRINCIPLE

N EVUAH, ^ ^\\

The sixth principle of our emunah is to believe in nevuah, prophesy -

that Hashem c o m m u n ic a te s in a clear and direct manner with certain
people at d iffe r e n t times in history. Even though nevuah has ceased,
we still have the words of those nevuos that are pertinent for us,
preserved for us to learn from. Let us elaborate on this topic be’ezras
Hashem, if even just a little bit.

What level does it take for a person to become a navi, prophet or to

receive nevuah? Here is a loose translation of the Rambam’s description
of the greatness of a navi (Yesodei HaTorah 7:1): A navi needs to be a
very wise person. Here must have exceedingly good character traits.
He is to be on the level that he never succumbs to the evil inclination.
Rather, he has complete self-control over the various temptations of
the yetzer hara and the like. He needs to have amazing intellectual
capacity in a very real and practical way [it does not suffice to be an
intellectual genius, it needs to manifest itself in his ability to apply it
in his actions and behavior as well]. He needs to be shaleim b'gufo,
healthy and f i t in a manner that allows him to enter what is called
Pardes [the ability to achieve lofty and deep mystical states of being
and understanding]. He needs to be holy and to separate himself from
mundane and physical pursuits and involvement. He needs to develop
self-control over his thoughts, not to think unproductive thoughts and
T H E S IX T H P R IN C IP L E 101

to only engage in lofty thoughts. The navi attaches himself to Heavenly

spheres and concepts.”

The navi is one who can see all the vast wisdom that Hashem allows to
be seen. He can visualize and understand from the very first thing that
Hashem created until the final points of creation. Rav Shimshon Pincus
z t"l (Nefesh Shimshon, Emunah page 167) explains this to mean that
the navi knows the purpose of every single creation, including its vast
details and dimensions. When the navi reaches these great levels then
a Heavenly spirit rests upon him. The navi then becomes an entirely
different and angelic being, and he perceives that he is now on a lofty
and entirely different level than regular people. This is truly amazing,
albeit just a small and basic glimpse of a navi's spiritual level.

Let us elaborate with some more points about nevuah from the
Rambam’s Yad Hachazaka (Yesodei HaTorah perek 7). The navi either has
a dreamlike nightly vision or a vision by day, after being in a sleeplike
state (7:2). During a nevuah the navi's limbs tremble and shudder, and
his physical body and normal faculties cease to function. Yet his ability
to understand and absorb knowledge remains intact and free to be
able to absorb what he is being shown by Hashem (see Bereishis 15:12
and Daniel 10:8, Rambam 7:2).

During nevuah, a navi experiences fear, panic and a sense of collapsing

(7:6). The navi is shown a mashal, allegory, and its interpretation (7:3).
The navi receives nevuah by means of a malach, angel, and that is why
it comes through an allegory’.

1. 7:6; see Ramban Bereishis 18:1, and Aderes Eliyahu, mahadurah 3, Parshas
Balak 22:30.
102 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Let us mention a few points about nevuah from the Ramchal’s sefarim
Derech Hashem and Da'as Tevunos. He writes that the navi experiences
a very high level of dveikus (a sense of attachment) with Hashem. The
navi clearly realizes during nevuah that he is in the direct presence of
Hashem. The navi gains a very clear picture of the presence of Hashem
and of Hashem’s hanhaga - His ways of running our world. Nevuah is a
greater form of communication than ruach hakodesh or regular dreams
and, of course, Heavenly or sudden inspiration that can fall into the
mind at times.

There is a certain lack of clarity that a regular navi (unlike M o s h e

Rabbeinu) experiences. Yet, the navi knows exactly what he is being
shown by Hashem as well as its interpretation. There are different levels
of clarity and different factors that can determine the ability to fully
comprehend the prophesy. It can be compared to seeing something
through a window that is smudged or clouded up somewhat. Another
example given is of seeing a reflection in a mirror or a number of mirrors
reflecting off one another. Obviously the great revelations that the
navi sees in his mind’s eye are revelations of Hashem’s hanhagah, the
way He conducts our world, and not Atzm uso - revelations pertaining
to His very essence. This is as the Rambam writes in the third principle,
that Hashem has no tangibility and is therefore beyond our frame of
reference. However, the navi has a direct communication with the one
and only indivisible G-d of the world, and he knows this clearly without
a doubt (see Derech Hashem and Da'as Tevunos for further elaboration).
T H E S E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E 103

THE SEVENTH PRINCIPLE

MEW mS MOSHE RABBEINU, MOSHE
RABBEliU'S PROPHECY

The seventh fundamental of emunah is belief in the nevuah of Moshe

Rabbeinu. Nevuah, prophecy, is when Hashem communicates directly
with a person. Adam Harishon was a navi. Noach, Avraham Avinu and
Sarah Imeinu received nevuah. In the past, Klal Yisrael had millions of
nevi'im (Megilla 14a). The seventh fundamental is that Moshe Rabbeinu
was the greatest navi that ever was and that ever will be. Furthermore,
his level of nevuah was different and higher than that of all the other
nevi'im.

This fundamental is especially important because Moshe Rabbeinu

was the messenger of Hashem to teach the Jews the entire Torah. So
the more we become clearly aware of the awesome level of Moshe’s
nevuah, the more we will be motivated to absorb the words of the
Torah with ever more dedication.

The Rambam in Peirush Hamishnayos (Sanhedrin, Cheiek) writes that

there are four differences between the nevuah o f Moshe Rabbeinu and
that of other nevi'im:

One: other nevi'im received their message via a malach, whereas

Moshe was addressed by Hashem directly. (The Ramban disagrees and
104 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

writes in Vayeira 18:1 that every navi receives a direct nevuah without a
malach in between.)

Two: other nev/’/m received their nevuah only when sleeping and in
a dreamlike state, whereas Moshe received his nevuah while he was
awake and standing on his feet.

Three: other nevi'im were in a tremendous state of fear and trembling

from the awesomeness of the nevuah, whereas Moshe was able to stay
calm, without fear and trembling.

Four: other nevi'im could not prophesize whenever they wanted,

whereas Moshe was able to choose to receive nevuah at any time.

The Ramchal in Derech Hashem (3:5) differs with the Rambam on

certain points:

He adds an additional distinction — that a regular navi, although he

knows exactly what Hashem is telling him, still receives the message in
a somewhat unclear manner, whereas Moshe received his nevuah with
perfect clarity.

Furthermore, the Ramchal omits mention of a malach being a medium

of nevuah for any navi, which would imply that every navi receives a
direct nevuah without a malach in between.

Rav Shimshon Pincus, z t"l, (Nefesh Shimshon, Emunah page 183)

stresses that Moshe Rabbeinu’s great level was a G‫־‬d‫־‬given gift — a
miraculous level of gad/us and nevuah. Rav Yitzchak Leib Kirzner, z t"l, in
his sefer on the thirteen principles of faith Ma'oz L'tam, points out that
great levels of spirituality reflect a great level of avodas Hashem and
cannot simply be attained as a result of a Divine gift. He writes that the
greater the level of a person, and the more a person perfects himself,
the more he can be a conduit for the word of Hashem and for greater
T H E S E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E 105

levels of closeness to Hashem. So on the one hand, Moshe Rabbeinu

was indeed given Heavenly gifts and powers, but at the same time,
he obviously worked constantly to grow higher and closer to Hashem.
He, thus, reached tremendously high levels, which were reflected, as
a result, in the clarity of his nevuah. So too with us, the more we grow
and improve our spiritual level, the more closeness to Hashem we will
experience (see Ohr Hachaim, beginning of Parshas V’zos Habrachah).

One particular middah which the Torah teaches us about Moshe

Rabbeinu is about his middah of anavah — humility and tremendous
patience. I heard in the name of Rav Shlomo Wolbe, z t ” l, that a good
opportunity for everyone to improve their level of anavah is during
davening. When we daven, we constantly remind ourselves of Hashem’s
greatness and of our dependency on Hashem for all of our needs.

Another one of Moshe’s qualities that were singled out was his
middah of being nosei b ‫׳‬o l Im chaveiro, to have genuine empathy for
others (to translate literally: to share your friend’s burden). This point
is made by the Alter of K e lm , Rav Simcha Zissel Broide zt” l (beginning
of Chachmah U'mussar, volume 1). He writes that this middah o f feeling
another person’s feelings is the root of Moshe Rabbeinu’s greatness.

Rav Yerucham Levovitz, zt” l, the famed Mirrer Mashgiach, in his sefer
Da'as Chochmah U'mussar (volume 2, page 3), elaborates on this. When
Moshe was a young prince, he would leave the comforts of Pharaoh’s
palace. He would go out and share in the pain and burden of the slave
labor of his fellow Jews. Rav Yerucham describes that just like a person
shifts a heavy burden from one shoulder to the other, thus easing the
aching shoulder, so too, Moshe would go and shoulder the burdens of
the struggling Jews, feeling their suffering as if it were his own!
106 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

May Hashem help us gain more awareness about the nevuah of Moshe
Rabbeinu, and to learn from Moshe’s path to greatness to improve
ourselves in the middos of anavah and nose; b'o! chaveiro, which will
bring us ever closer to Hashem and His Torah.
T H E S E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E 107

THE SEVENTH PRINCIPLE

NEVUAS MOSHE RA&BEINU AND
KORACH S UON

We all know the story of Korach. He was an adam gadol, a very great
man — and he lost it all when he started up with Moshe Rabbeinu.
There is a very powerful question here. The Torah relates that Hashem
guarantees that after the amazing revelation at Har Sinai, no one
will ever deny the greatness and reliability of the nevuah o f Moshe
Rabbeinu, as the pasuk states, “ V 'g a m b'cha ya'am inu la'olam, And also
in you they will always believe” (Yisro 19:9, see also Rambam, Iggeres
Teiman). If so, how do we explain the fact that a short while later
Korach rebelled against the nevuah o f Moshe Rabbeinu?’

Let us bring two approaches to answer this, b ’ezras Hashem (as

quoted in the sefer Yud Gimmel Ikrim, Hakdamos V'shearim by Rav
Epstein). The Steipler Gaon answers that the guarantee was only on a
logical level. Korach’s denial of Moshe’s greatness did not stem from
a logical mistake; he did not err intellectually. Rather, it was a result of
his middos ra'os, poor character traits. For this there was no guarantee.

Logically, nevuas Moshe is foolproof, as the pasuk in Parshas Yisro tells

us (ibid.). The Ramban in Yisro (ibid.) and the Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei

1. See Parshas Korach, and see sefer Yud Gimmel Ikrim, Hakdamos V’shearim
by Rav B entzion Epstein, page 133, ik a r 8.
108 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

HaTorah) explain that the Jews were raised to such a high level that
they themselves experienced nevuah and heard with a crystal-clear
nevuah that Moshe Rabbeinu was Hashem’s navi and messenger to
teach the entire Torah and to lead Klal Yisrael.

Korach had a problem with chemdas hakavod, glory seeking, and

kinah, jealousy. He had a lust for honor and this caused him to tumble
down. He became an apikorus, a heretic, and denied the nevuah of
Moshe Rabbeinu (Mesilas Yesharim 11). He had it all — he was great in
Torah and he was very wealthy — and he lost it all because of middos
ra'os.

Rav Elchanan Wasserman, z t ” l, Hy” d (at the end of the sefer Koveitz
He'aros, siman alef), points out that emunah in general is obvious. It
is our bad middos that blind us and make us come to deny clear and
absolute truths. Let us take a lesson from this. Let us learn mussar
seforim on a regular basis. Such seforim include Chovos Halevavos,
Mesillas Yeshorim, Orchos Tzaddikim or any other mussar work that
motivates us to improve. This will protect us from middos ra'os so that
we should not, chalilah, stumble.

A second approach is given by the Gerrer Rebbe, the great Imrei Ernes.
He says an astonishing thing. There was a great rasha whose name was
Nimrod. Chazal tell us that he was yodei’a es Boro u'michavein lim rod
bo. He knew his Creator, yet he spitefully rebelled against Him. Korach
also knew the truth, and yet he anyway spitefully rebelled against it! He
knew that Moshe only spoke the word of Hashem, yet he fought him
and accused him of distorting the Divine message.

This concept needs much clarification. It’s one thing for a person to be
blinded by intense desires and ignore the truth. But how can a person
at the same time know the truth clearly and still rebel, which means to
T H E S E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E 109

spitefully go against the truth? (For example, how can a rational and
normal person knowingly walk in front of a speeding bus? Starting up
with Moshe Rabbeinu was suicidal!)

Perhaps we can suggest as follows: The Steipler Gaon (Birkas Peretz,

Parshas Noach) brings C h a z a lV statement about Noach that he was a
“ small believer.” This is as Rashi writes based on Chazat, “ Noach m'ktanei
amanah haya ma'amin v'eino m a’amin, Noach was a small believer; he
believed yet he did not believe.” In other words, his level of faith was
lacking. He did not enter the teivah, the ark, until the flood’s waters
forced him inside. This is puzzling, for Noach obviously was a great
believer; so much so, that he built the teivah for 120 years, despite the
great derision he suffered from the people of his time. Furthermore,
how can a person believe and also not believe simultaneously?

From here we see, says the Steipler, that there are two types of
emunah. One is in the seichel — the intellect. The second is called
emunah chushis — an emunah that is felt. It is so vivid, it is felt and is
as real as one’s senses; it is a practical emunah which brings to action.

Maybe with this we can explain that Korach had emunah sichlis;
however, he was lacking in emunah chushis. This discrepancy is what
caused him to rebel against Moshe, despite having clear knowledge
of his truthfulness. By Noach, the discrepancy just caused him to be
considered lacking in emunah — m 'kitanei emanah — but by Korach it
went much further, bringing him to rebel.

We can explain that these two approaches (that of the Steipler

Gaon and of the Gerrer Rebbe) have a common ground. In the words
of the ba’alei mussar, there is a great distance between the mind and

2. M id ra sh Bereishis Rabbah 32:6, also q u o te d by Rashi, Parshas Noach 7:7.

110 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

the heart, so much so that they can be considered as if they are two
separate people. According to this understanding though, there can
be two different types of problems. According to the approach of the
Steipler Caon, the ta ’avah, desire, blocks the mind and the person
commits aveiros to fulfill his desires (rte i'a vo n ). According to the Gerrer
Rebbe’s approach, because of the distance between the mind and the
heart, a person commits aveiros out of spite, rebelliously. This is a much
more severe offense, and perhaps can be explained as being a result
and an expression of arrogance and/or anger.

There is an antidote for both of these pitfalls: learning mussar. The

Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chaim 1:4) and the Chayei Adam (kial 143) write
that it is an obligation to learn sifrei mussar every day. The Ya'aros Dvash
(drush 12) writes that it is an obligation for both men and women, day
and night.

Let us improve our commitment to lim ud hamussar, to review,

contemplate, and excite ourselves with words of mussar. This will
bridge the gap between our mind and heart, and with this we will be
able to achieve our purpose in this world, b'ezras Hashem.
T H E E IG I' " 'N IN C IP LE Ill

THE EIGHTH PRINCIPLE

V OF SINAI

Rav Shach, zt” l, would often tell over the following story: There was
a group of Jews in Auschwitz. They were standing and waiting to be
shoved into the death chambers. One of them called out, “ Yidden,
today is Simchas Torah, we must celebrate.” Everyone looked at him
quizzically. “ W h a t do you mean? Don’t you realize that w e’re about to
be killed? We don’t have a Sefer Torah. We don’t have any schnapps.
We are not even dressed. We have nothing to celebrate with. Even our
tzelem Elokim, our G-dly image has been taken from us.”

Then, despite their horrific situation, those holy Jews found the
answer deep inside themselves. Yes, we can be happy; yes, we can
dance. We have the Ribbono she! Olam with us. The Nazis, yimach
shemam, can never take Him away from us — and with that they broke
into a lively dance.

Rav Shach would vividly describe the way they danced to the gas
chambers with the simchah atzumah, intense joy, of being together
with Hashem. And he would comment, “ All the simchah in the world
pales in comparison to their simchah. I am jealous of their happiness in
those final moments of their lives” (In Their Shadow, page 297).

How are we to understand the simchah of those Jews in such trying

circumstances? I think the answer lies in the following words of the
112 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Chofetz Chaim in his sefer Nidchei Yisrael'. The Chofetz Chaim discusses
strengthening emunah and appreciation of the kedushas haTorah —
the value and holiness of the Torah. He writes that this particularly
applies in a time and place where people are undermining the kavod
of the Torah, and many are leaving the Torah path when they see
the temporary success of the wicked versus the downtrodden plight
of many steadfast shomrei Torah. This causes many simple and well-
meaning people to weaken in their adherence and respect for Torah.
The Chofetz Chaim writes that for most people, fancy intellectual
arguments and proofs will not help. Instead, he appeals to simple
rationale and emotion. Let us bring some of his warm, inspiring words.

Says the Chofetz Chaim: When we see the amazing mesirus nefesh
o f Am Yisrael throughout the years of this long and hard galus, we
wonder where they get their strength from. When we see the way
Jews throughout the generations perform all the mitzvos with great
happiness, even when it entails money, effort and pain, we wonder
where it comes from. For example, the Midrash says in Parshas Emor^
(brought in the introduction o f Nidchei Yisrael), “ [One Jew said to
another Jew ,] ‘Why are you being taken out to be stoned?‫‘ ׳‬Because I
gave my son a bris milah.' ‘Why are you being burned alive?‫‘ ׳‬Because
I kept Shabbos.‫‘ ׳‬Why are you being taken out to be beheaded?‫׳‬
‘Because I ate matzah.‫‘ ׳‬Why are you being whipped and beaten?‫׳‬
‘Because I made a sukkah... because I shook the lulav... because I wore
techeiles... because I performed the Will of my Father in Heaven... !‫׳‬

1. Essays 4344‫־‬, and in the hakdam ah, also see the beginning of the sefer
Taharas Yisroel.

2. See Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 3 2 :6 , Mechilta D’Rebbe Yishmael 20:6 and the
Ramban, Shemos 20:6.
THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 113

‘What are these beatings you are getting?‫‘ ׳‬These beatings are making
me beloved to my Father in Heaven.” ‫׳‬

Another example: When the goyim came into the Beis Hamikdash to
destroy it, the Kohanim were in the middle of bringing a korban tam id.
The goyim started hacking at them with swords, killing them left and
right. This did not stop the Kohanims' devotion to the avodah. As soon
as one kohen was beheaded, another grabbed the blood of the korban
and brought it closer to the mizbei'ach. This happened a few times until
they succeeded in bringing the korban with their own lifeblood. When,
finally, the wicked intruders set the Kodesh Hakedoshim aflame, eighty
thousand young Kohanim jumped into the raging fire to o ffe r their very
souls up to Hashem. Where does all this mesirus nefesh come from?

The Chofetz Chaim explains that obviously the reason is because

Am Yisrael absorbed a very deep emunah and devotion to Hashem
and the Torah from their mesorah, tradition, which includes all the
wondrous n/ss/m of Yetzias M itzrayim , in addition to the tremendously
clear Heavenly revelation on Har Sinai. This naturally imbued Am Yisrael
with a deep awareness of the truth of the Torah, as well as with deep
emunah and devotion to Hashem. Furthermore, it gave them b'ofen
seguli, supernaturally, a deep emunah embedded in their very hearts
and middos — ad sof kol hadoros, until the end of time. Additionally,
their devotion and emunah only grew stronger with all the additional
miracles that Hashem showed them throughout the ensuing years.

There are two points here: One is that Am Yisrael was always very
strong in their emunah, because they had a strong mesorah o f what
was witnessed in earlier times.

The second point is that we draw strength from the way Jews
acted throughout history, because it shows us unmistakably that the
114 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

miraculous historical events that we learn about in Chazal and have

received by tradition actually happened, openly and clearly. We realize
that they were clear, public knowledge for millions of Jews throughout
the ages, because if not, no one would be willing to endure suffering
and invest self-sacrifice for such an ideology. The very fact that they
gave their lives, money, and every ounce of effort for their beliefs is
powerful evidence that they knew their miraculous history to be the
absolute truth and worth the sacrifice.

The Chofetz Chaim makes mention of many of these groundbreaking,

e m u n a h -in s p irin g events of Am Yisrael. Let us bring a loose translation
of some of his words:

Klal Yisrael w itn e s s e d th e m ira c le s o f Y e tz ia s M itz ra y im . T h e y w itn e s s e d

how Hashem led them through the desert for forty years, keeping them
safe from the elements and the wild animals. They saw the wondrous
pillar of clouds that guided them and the pillar of fire which illuminated
the nights. They saw the moon, Heavenly bread, fall each and every day
— exactly the right amount for everyone, with a double portion falling
on Friday and none falling on Shabbos. They drank water from the rock
and lacked nothing in the middle of the desert. They witnessed the
shocking event of Korach, Dasan and Aviram being swallowed alive by
the ground. They saw all the miracles described in Parshios Va'eschanan
and Eikev^

3. T h e Torah there makes reference to many past miracles and future

miracles (the exodus, the giving of the Torah, the destruction of the idol
worshipers, the destruction of Og and Sichon and their la n d s , the tzirah (a
poisonous insect used against the enemy supernaturally), the guarantees to
take over Eretz Yisroel, etc.
THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 115

They also experienced many miracles in subsequent years, in the days o f

the Shoftim , Shaul Hamelech, Dovid Hamelech and Shlomo Hamelech.
In the time of Chizkiyahu they saw how Hashem sent a malach who
killed 185,000 of their enemies in the camp of Ashur in one night! They
lived through the nissim of Purim and Chanukah. They saw the nissim
in the Beis Hamikdash: In the eleven amos (around twenty feet) where
the Yisraeilim were allowed to stand in the azarah, tens of thousands
would stand during the regalim, holidays! Furthermore, when they
stood it was crowded, but when they prostrated there was ample
room for everyone. They saw a Heavenly fire on the m izbei’ach, all the
time. It would miraculously burn up an enormous amount of korbanos
in an unbelievably small amount of time. In addition, there were ten
constant miracles in the Beis Hamikdash, which were witnessed by all.

The most powerful of all was the amazing revelation on Har Sinai
(see Teshuvos HaRashba [4:234], who writes that this was the most
convincing of all the nissim). The Chofetz Chaim brings the amazing
words of the Rambam in Iggeres Teiman, who says that Hashem
guaranteed, and stands as a guarantor, that all those who are
descendants of the Jewish Nation will definitely believe in Moshe
Rabbeinu and the Torah he taught until the end of time. We can see
their emunah in M o s h e from the pasuk in Parshas Va^eschanan (5:24),
“ The Jewish people said to Moshe Rabbeinu, ‘You should speak to us
and tell us whatever Hashem our G-d will speak to you. Then we shall
hear and we shall do.” ‫׳‬

The Chofetz Chaim gives a basic description of M a’amad Har Sinai

(in the beginning of essay 43, page 120). The tremendous value and
kedushah of Torah became clear to all during that amazing event.
Hashem Himself, as it were, in all His [perceivable] glory, descended
on Har Sinai. He came amidst kolos, thunder, and vrakim, lightning, to
116 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

teach His nation the Torah and the mitzvos. The heavens and earth
roared with the voice of Hashem. It resonated like piercing flames. The
Jews were overawed and malachim came to help them draw closed
Hashem descended in His merkavah hakedoshah‘’, Divine chariot, on
Har Sinai. He opened up the heavens and the depths of the earth, and
all the Jews saw the complete Oneness of Hashem. They understood
completely that ein od m ilvado — He is the One and the only G-d of the
entire universe. They all saw ohr pnei Hashem, the light of the face of
Hashem, as it were [meaning a uniqe spiritual awareness of Hashem,
similar to what is written in Parshas Va’eschanan (5:4), “ Face to face did
Hashem speak with y o u .” ] The revelation was so clear and great that
they were able to perceive how the Torah is the source of life for the
whole world. As we say in Shemonah Esrei, “ ki b 'o r panecha nasatah
lanu Hashem Elokeinu Toras chaim, for with the light of Your face You
gave us, Hashem, our G-d, the Torah of life” — a Torah which is the true
source of life.

The Chofetz Chaim, in a different paragraph, in order to bolster our

emunah, offers encouragement and gives us clarity, by continuing to
elaborate on M a’amad Har Sinai: He writes that we should know and
understand that the Torah was not given secretly; rather, it was given
in front of 600,000 men between the ages of twenty and sixty, besides
for the huge amounts of elderly Jews, women and children. They all
accepted the Torah and said na'aseh v’nishma, we will do and we will
hear. They then kept the Torah against all odds, which is a sure sign of
the truthfulness and eternity of the Torah and the Giver of the Torah

4. Chazal write that m alachim yidodin, which means that the m alachim
brought the frightened Jews close (Shabbos 88b).
5. This refers to a deep kabbalistic concept.
THE EIGI' " 'N I N C I P L E 117

- Hashem. Obviously, there is one long and glorious chain, extending

from generation to generation, passing on the great events of Sinai as
taught in Parshas Va'eschanan.

Ma'amad Har Sinai was gadol v'norah — great and awe-inspiring.

There were 600,000 men there, as well as myriad others, as mentioned
above. They all saw the great and awesome spectacle, including the
thunder, flames, the smoke rising from the mountain, and the voice
of Hashem talking to them from amidst the flames. It was so awe-
inspiring, they just about died^ and had to be revived. They also heard
the voice of Hashem speaking to Moshe Rabbeinu saying, “ Moshe,
Moshe, go and tell them ... ” All this caused a profound emunah to
become embedded in their hearts and minds. Emunah in Hashem, the
Torah and in the prophecy of M o s h e Rabbeinu. This is as it is written
in Parshas Yisro (19:9), “ Behold! I come to you in the thickness of the
cloud, so that the people will hear as I speak to you, and they will also
believe in you forever.”

Hashem did not merely rely on the love that parents have for their
children as a motive to teach their children about the event of Har
Sinai. For indeed, transmitting the mesorah o f Matan Torah to their
children would be the greatest expression of their love, for it would be
the source for their greatest success in life, leading them to live lives of
emunah and commitment to Hashem and the Torah. Rather, Hashem
established it as a mitzvah of great importance, obligating the Jews to
transmit the story of Har Sinai to their children and grandchildren and
to remind themselves of this great event, every single day (see Parshas
Va'eschanan 4:9).

6. S o m e s o u rc e s say that they actually died, however the Chofetz Chaim

takes the approach that they almost died.
118 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Since knowledge of Ma'amad Har Sinai and the miracles of Yetzias

Mitzrayim and beyond are such widespread knowledge amongst the
Jewish nation, it is impossible for them to be forgotten. It therefore
serves as a source of strength and emunah throughout the generations.
This is the source of our great mesirus nefesh for Torah and mitzvos
throughout the ages. Perhaps this explains the great joy that the Jews
expressed when sanctifying the Name of Hashem at the hands of the
barbaric Germans, in the horrific death camps. They realized that Torah,
love for Hashem and Olam Habah are the absolute truths of existence
and that their neshamos would live on for eternity, long after the Nazi
butchers will have faded into oblivion.

The Chofetz Chaim bemoans the fact that there were people who
not only weakened their ties to the Torah, they even tried dulling the
emunah o f others with derision and mockery of everything holy. The
Chofetz Chaim explains that this is only possible because they sunk into
the pursuit of hedonistic desire and developed the terrible middah of
chutzpah, as well as other bad middos. Slowly but surely, this caused
them to be overwhelmed with tum ah, impurity.

The Chofetz Chaim exhorts the ehrlicheh Yidden to imbue themselves

with the memory of all the great miracles of their history. This especially
applies to perhaps the most phenomenal and inspiring miracle of all —
the continuous survival and existence of the Jewish Nation, long after
all their aggressors have disappeared from the face of the earth.

The Chofetz Chaim also writes that the best way to safeguard
ourselves from negative influences and maintain our emunah is to
have serious Torah-learning sessions; to totally involve ourselves in
Torah learning to the greatest degree possible. This, together with the
mitzvah of remembering Ma’amad Har Sinai, will enable and inspire
THE EIGI' " 'N I N C I P L E 119

US to attach ourselves with renewed vigor to the glorious chain of

Am Yisrael, who sang and danced no matter how bleak the situation.
“ Ashreinu mah tov chelkeinu, how fortunate are we; how good is our
lot!” (siddur, shacharis L'olam Yhei Adam)
120 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

T H E E IG H T H P R IN C IP L E

H A l S IN A I

The eighth principle of emunah is t h a t the entire Torah which we have

today (Torah Shebichsav, the Written Torah and Torah Sheb'al Peh, the
Oral Torah) was given by Hashem to M o s h e Rabbeinu on Har Sinai (An/
M a’amin — siddur).

Since it is a great mitzvah and a fundamental of Judaism to

constantly remember Ma'amad Har Sinai and teach it to our children
and grandchildren (Va'eschanan 4 :9 , Ramban ibid., Rambam in Iggeres
Teiman), the following is a summary of many, if not all, of the central
points and descriptions of Ma’amad Har Sinai. This will help us learn and
review and, b ’ezras Hashem, internalize this great fundamental:

1. In the year 2448 fro m Brias Ha'olam (Avodah Zara gb), less than
tw o m onths a fte r Yetzias M itzrayim (Yisro 1g:1; Bo 12:14, Rashi),
on the seventh o f Sivan, which was on Shabbos (Shabbos 86b),
Hashem gave the Jewish Nation the Torah. A t th a t time, the Jews
perceived Hashem like never before.

2. M a’amad Har Sinai took place in the desert o f Sinai, when the Jews
were en route fro m M itzrayim to Eretz Yisrael.

3. A huge crow d was present at Har Sinai. There were 600,000 men
between the ages o f tw e n ty and sixty (Bo 12:37). Based on th a t
am ount, the Steipler Caon estimates th a t we can assume th a t
THE EIGI' " 'N I N C I P L E 121

also present w e re an additional 40 percent o f males, w h o were

younger than tw e n ty and older than sixty. This resulted in a m illion
men and boys in total. Since the Gemara in Yevamos (118a) states
th a t there are an equal am ount o f girls born as there are boys, we
can assume th a t there were around a m illion women and girls as
well — to ta lin g around tw o m illion people (Chayei Olam 14).

The Sifri in V’zos Habrachah (pasuk 33:2, also see Parshas

M ishpatim 24.7) states th a t before approaching the Jews, Hashem
first approached the goyim and offered them the Torah. The
descendants o f Eisav said th a t 10 sirtzach, the p rohibition o f
murder, was too hard fo r them to accept. The descendants o f
Lot, Amon and M o a v , said they couldn't live w ith o u t adultery.
Lo signov, the proh ib itio n o f th e ft, was too challenging fo r the

descendants o f Yishmael, the Arabs. This was in s t a r k contrast to

K la l Yisrael who, w ith hearts fu ll o f faith, called o u t together as

one, "Na'aseh v'nishmah. W e w ill do and we w ill h e a r t”

Hashem to ld M o s h e Rabbeinu to tell the Jews: If you w ill agree

to accept the Torah and enter into a bris, a covenant, to heed its
directives, you w ill be a special nation to Me. You w ill be an am
segulah, a beloved treasure fro m amongst all the o th e r nations.
You w ill be a mamleches kohanim, a kingdom o f ministers. You
w ill be a goy kadosh, a holy nation. In short, you w ill be chosen,
special and be the role model fo r all o f mankind. The Jews agreed
and became the am hanivchar, the Chosen Nation. This to o k place
on the second day o f Sivan, a few days before Kabbalas HaTorah
(Yisro 19:3-8; Rashi 19:3,19:8). The Steipler G aon points out th a t we
should realize th a t the Jews did not rush into Kabbalas HaTorah,
but w ent into it calmly, w ith presence o f mind, advance notice and
three days o f special spiritual preparations (Chayei Olam 17).
122 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Klal Yisrael asked fo r a direct revelation from Hashem instead of

through Moshe Rabbeinu (Yisro 19:9, Rashi).

Hashem agreed and said that the Jew s need to prepare themselves
to be on the proper madreigah, spiritual level (ibid. 19:10, Rashi).

Hashem miraculously cured all of the Jew s before Kabbalas

HaTorah. This included the blind, mute and deaf Jew s (ibid. 19:11,
20:19, Rashi).

The Midrash says that all handicaps were healed; even mental
illness was cured (Shir Hashirim Rabbah 4:19 on pasuk 4 :7 ).

10. The Cemara states that the impurity which came as a result of
Adam Harishon's sin was removed from the Jews, bringing them
to great heights of spiritual purity and high levels of kedushah
(Shabbos 146a, see also Nefesh Hachaim 1:6).

11 . Before Kabbalas HaTorah, Hashem lifted Har Sinai over the Jew s
and told them to accept the Torah or else the world will cease to
exist (Yisro 19:17, Rashi).

12. Tosfos points out that even though the Jew s had already
committed to accept the Torah, perhaps they would get scared
away because of the awesome revelation on Har Sinai; therefore,
it was necessary to lift the mountain over them and force
them to accept the Torah. Years later, Klal Yisrael willingly and
wholeheartedly accepted the entire Torah after experiencing the
amazing nissim of Purim (Shabbos 88a). Alternatively, the Midrash
Tanchumah writes that their commitment of “ naaseh v'nishmah"
was solely for the W ritten Torah, whereas the coercion was for the
Oral Torah.
THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 123

13• Hashem guarenteed Moshe Rabbeinu that because of the

revelation on Har Sinai the Jew s throughout the generations
w o u ld always believe in his nevuah and in the nevuah of all future
nevi’im as well (Yisro 19:9 and Rashi, see Rambam’s Iggeres Teiman
and Yad, Yesodei HaTorah perek 8).

14• Besides for the awesome prophecy and revelation of Hashem's

Presence that was witnessed at Har Sinai, there was an amazing
otherworldly display of awe-inspiring phenomena. This to o k
place mostly before the words, Anochi Hashem, were spoken by
Hashem, because once they were spoken, there was utter silence,
as the Midrash describes (Shemos Rabbah 29:9),

15• During the amazing event, Klal Yisrael miraculously saw kolos —
thunder, vrakim — lightning, and different types of clouds, both
regular and thick ones (see Teshuvos HaRashba 4:234). They heard
very powerful shofar blasts, and they shuddered (Yisro 19:16,
20:18).

16. There were billows of fire and smoke, and the whole mountain
shuddered (ibid. 19:18, Rashi; 20:15; Va'eschanan 4:11).

17■ There was a ''darkness" (choshech) together with the clouds and
the fire (Va'eschanan ibid.).

18. In summary, there was thunder, lightning, fire, flames, billowing

smoke, clouds - heavy and thick ones, darkness, an increasingly
loud shofar blast, and the mountain was shuddering as well. Then,
when Hashem proclaimed before 600,000 men, "Anochi Hashem...,
I am Hashem your G-d, who took you out of M itzrayim ...," the
entire world became utterly silent.
124 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

19. “ The Jewish people stood at the foot of the mountain and the
mountain was burning with fire up to the heart of heaven; there
was choshech — darkness, anan — cloud, v’arafel — and th ic k
cloud" (ibid. 4:11). These were like three mechitzos, partitions,
around Har Sinai, and in the middle was the fire (Chayei Olam 17).

20. The Jew s saw with their own eyes and heard with their own ears
the fire, kolos and the flames. They saw Moshe Rabbeinu enter
the clouds (arafel) and heard the voice of Hashem speaking to
him. They were listening to this and Hashem told Moshe, "Moshe,
Moshe, go and tell them etc." (Rambam, Yesodei HaTorah 8:1).
The Steipler Caon (Chayei Olam 17) writes that the Jew s actually
witnessed Moshe entering the fire on top of the mountain.

21. It is explicit in the Torah that all of the Jew s heard Hashem‫׳‬s holy
words from Heaven, as it states, "A te m re’isem ki min haShamayim
dibarti imachem. You saw that from Heaven I spoke with you"
(Yisro 20:19, see Chayei Olam ibid.).

22. "Hashem will descend in front of the eyes of the Jewish people"
(Yisro 19:11). The Ramban points out that this means that the Jew s
were able to clearly sense the presence of Hashem and experience
a very clear prophecy, as well as a high level of comprehension of
the aspects of Hashem's hanhagah, interaction, with the world.
(See Ramban, Yisro 19:11, 20:7; V’zos Habrachah 34:10, and other
meforshim.)

23. The Sforno says that the Jew s had a very high level of nevuah,
while their senses and physical body were still intact and conscious
(Yisro ibid.).

24. The Jew s heard all of the Aseres Hadibros from Hashem at one
time — but they didn't understand them. Afterwards, Hashem
THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 12 5

repeated the firs t two Dibros in a clear, understandable way.

Then Moshe Rabbeinu explained the other eight Hashem raised
Moshe's voice in a miraculous way (Yisro 19:19, Rashi; Yisro 20:1,
Rash/, Sifsei Chachamim; Cemara M akkos 24a).

2 5 ■ The Ramban explains that Hashem told the Jew s directly and
clearly the first two Dibros — Anochi Hashem Elokecha and Lo
yihyeh lecha elohim acheirim — because these two are the main
fundamentals of the whole Torah: having emunah in the existence
of Hashem, and abstaining from avodah zarah, worshipping false
"pow ers." Therefore, it was important that the entire Klal Yisrael
should have a direct, clear nevuah of these two Dibros, as opposed
to hearing them from Moshe Rabbeinu (Ramban, Yisro 20:7).

26. The Jew s responded "y e s ” to the positive commandments and

"n o " when hearing the negative commandments (Yisro 20:1,
Rashi).

27. These are the ten Dibros that were heard on Har Sinai: 1. Anochi
Hashem Elokecha — the commandment to believe in Hashem as
the only C-d; 2. Lo yihyeh lecha elohim acheirim — the prohibition
against idolatry; 3. Lo sisa es Sheim Hashem Elokecha la'shav —
not to u t t e r the Name of Hashem without a valid reason and not
to make oaths in vain; 4. Zachor es yom haShabbos — observe the
Shabbos; 5. Kabed es avicha v'es imecha — honor your parents;
6. Lo sirtzach — th e prohibition against murder; 7. Lo sinaf —
the prohibition against adultery; 8. Lo signov — the prohibition
against kidnapping; 9. Lo sa'aneh b'reiacha eid shaker — the
prohibition against bearing false witness; 10. Lo sachmod — the
prohibition against coveting that which belongs to one's fellow
man (Yisro 20:1-14; Va’eschanan 5:6-18).
126 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

28. The Aseres Hadibros are general rules that include all the mitzvos
of the Torah (Rashi, Mishpatim 24:12). The Rambam in Tamid (5:1)
w r ite s that they are yesodos, fundamentals, for the entire Torah

( ik a r hadas v 'r e is h is o ).

29. The Midrash writes that Hashem taught the entire Torah with all its
details to Moshe Rabbeinu on Har Sinai. Simply put, it would seem
that this includes the forty days and nights (and the following two
sets of forty d a y s — 120 days in all) during which Moshe remained
on Har Sinai after Kabbalas HaTorah (see Midrash Rabbah 47:1
and 47:7 and Eitz Y o s e fs commentary, and see the Sforno in the
end of Parshas Mishpatim). The Rambam in Peirush Hamishnayos
(Sanhedrin Perek Chelek) writes that we are obligated to know
that the entire Torah Shebichsav and Torah Sheb’al Peh was taught
by Hashem to Moshe Rabbeinu, and Moshe Rabbeinu taught it to
the Jewish Nation.

30. B y each subsequent commandment, the Jew s retreated twelve

mil (a mil is an 18-minute walking distance) and malachim helped

them return (Rashi, Yisro 20:15).

31. W h e n Hashem said Anochi, all the Jew s died from the awesomeness

of it Hashem then performed techiyas hameisim (Shir Hashirim

Rabbah 6:3 ; Tanchuma Vayikra 1; see also Shabbos 88b and
Maharsha there).

32. The grand event of Ma'amad Har Sinai was only around 3,300
years ago. B e tw e e n then and now — there are less than 100
people in the "chain of generations" connecting us back to Sinai.
Parents transmitted the story to their children, grandparents
to grandchildren, Cedolei Yisrael and rebbeim to talmidim (see
hakdamah to the Sefer Hachinuch).
THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 127

33. This topic is very v a s t and very im portant Everyone is encouraged

to study all the p e s u k im about Matan Torah, to be able to clarify
for themselves this important and vital knowledge. (See Parshas
Yisro 19:1-20:19, Parshas Mishpatim 24:1-24:18, Parshas Va'eschanan
4 :9 -2 0 ,4 :3 2 -3 6 , 5:1-30.)

34. The Rambam in Iggeres Teiman emphasizes the importance of

internalizing and constantly reviewing the event of Ma'amad Har
Sinai. He writes that this is the main message that we are meant to
impart to our dear children — that the entire Am Yisrael witnessed
the grand revelation of M a ta n Torah. They also witnessed Moshe
being appointed the navi of Hashem to teach us the entire Torah,
each word the very word of Hashem.

Clearly aware of these truths, we will, b’ezras Hashem, proudly serve

our Father in Heaven, the Giver of the Torah, in all circumstances,
through fire and water, ashreinu mah tov chelkeinu.
128 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE EIGHTH PRINCIPLE

EMPMAS CHACHA^IM (FAITH IN
TORAH SCHOLARS) ‫ ־‬PART ONE

The eighth principle of emunah is that the entire Torah we have today
was given by Hashem to Moshe Rabbeinu. One of the ideas included in
this principle is the concept of emunas chachamim.

Hashem not only gave us the Torah, a book of laws and guidance (aside
from being a text of study which binds us with Hashem and imbues us
with holiness), He also gave us, and gives us in every generation, great
people who are teachers of the Torah. They explain to each generation
how to fulfill and apply the mitzvos and guidance of the Torah. They
also make takanos, enactments to maintain the spirit of the Torah in
every time and place'.

The Rambam in Yad Hachazakah (Hilchos Teshuvah 3:8) writes as

follows: There are three types of kofrim baTorah, heretics. The first is
someone who, chas v’shalom, claims that some of the words of the
Torah are not G-d-given. The second is one who, chas v’shalom, denies
the validity of the Torah Sheb’al Peh, the Oral Torah. The third is one
who, chas v’shalom, claims that Hashem made changes in the Torah
after it was given to the Jews.

1. See Safer Hachinuch, Parshas Shoftim, m itz v o s 495, 496, and Safer
Hamitzvos H akatzer, 10 sa’seh 158.)
THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 129

According to one version of the Rambam, there are actually two

subtypes of the second type. It reads as follows: “ V’chein hakofer
b'peirushah v'hi Torah Sheb'al Peh, v'hamakchlsh maggideha k'gon
Tzaddok uBaisos, and so too one who denies the authenticity of the
Divine Oral Interpretation of the Torah, which is refered to as Torah
Sheb'al Peh; additionally, one who denies the authority of the teachers
of the Torah like Tzaddok and Baisos.” Both of these deniers (i.e., of
the Torah’s interpretation and its teachers, or even one of them) are
guilty of heresy regarding the Torah’s Divine origin and authenticity.
(The version of the Rambam Frankel edition is “ v’h/kch/sh maggideha.” )

If rendered v’hamakchish, the Rambam is writing two separate things:

1) One who, chalilah, denies the truthfulness of the Torah Sheb'al Peh;
for example, someone claims that a particular piece of Gemara is the
personal opinion of Rav Ashi and not a concept taught by Hashem (see
beginning of sefer Chayei Adam). 2) Someone who denies the validity
of the maggidim of the Torah — the teachers of Torah — meaning that
he lacks emunas chachamim — the willingness to accept and follow
the rulings and teachings of the Cedolei Torah, rabbanim and talm idei
chachamim. Such a person is, sadly, also a kofer baTorah, a heretic.
This obviously also includes the teachings of later-day chachamim;
otherwise, they [the teachers of Torah] would have been included in
Torah Sheb'al Peh itself.

Furthermore, it’s importantto point out that emunas chachamim is not

just for explaining the directives of the Torah and for ruling on practical
halachah. It also includes hashkafah and related enactments. We can
also add that included in emunas chachamim is the awareness that the
chochmei haTorah are giants of mind and are acutely perceptive. They
are selfless and are Heavenly-inspired, coupled with immense siyatta
diShmaya. It follows that their advice in all matters, even mundane
130 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

matters, is accurate, practical, reliable and true, and it should be

followed^

Emunas chachamim is one of the forty-eight ways to acquire Torah

(Avos, p e re k 6). Obviously, it is extremely important to invest much time
and energy to acquire all the kinyanim of Torah. In fact, Rav M a tis y o h u
Salomon writes that this particular kinyan is far more fundamental than
the other ones (Matnas Chaim — Kinyanim, page 203).

Rav Dessler (M ichtav M i’Eliyahu, volume 1, page 75) writes explicitly

that the pesukim in Parshas Shoftim (17:11) which say that we must listen
to the chachamim, applies to the Cedolei Torah o f his times as well. It
follows that it also applies to the Cedolei Torah of every generation. It
would also apply to poskim and talm idei chachamim. Rav Dessler writes
at length about the importance of emunas chachamim and concludes:
A lack of hisbatius (submissiveness) to our Gedolim is the source of
all aveiros and destruction. Greater than any zechuyos, merits, is the
source of all good — emunas chachamim!

The Chofetz Chaim in Sefer Hamitzvos Hakatzar, lo sa’aseh 158, writes

as follows: The prohibition not to disobey the beis din hagadol (Shoftim
17:11) applies to the Cedolim of every generation — regarding whatever
they explain to us as being the meaning of the Torah. This includes
the following: 1) Torah Sheb’al Peh; 2) things that are derived by using
the thirteen middos (for example, a kal v'chom er); 3) seyag laTorah —
safeguards for the Torah — the various takanos that they enacted to
protect adherence to the actual laws of the Torah.

The great importance of emunas chachamim and following da'as

Torah is well known and is something our parents and teachers tell

2. See Chinuch ibid.; M ichtav Mi'Eliyahu, vo lu m e 1, page 59 and page 75.

THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 131

US about constantly. Let us strengthen ourselves in this area, to ask

questions and happily listen to the answers of da'as Torah. This will
surely guarantee us great success in this world and the next.
132 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE EIGHTH PRINCIPLE

^ 1^1 ‫ 'י‬ORAH SCHOLARS

The eighth principle of emunah is that we have a Torah which was

given to us by Hashem. This includes the Written and Oral Torah. In
each and every generation, there are Cedolei Torah — great Torah
authorities and leaders — who are qualified to explain and interpret
the Torah according to the circumstances at that point in time (e.g.,
electricity on Shabbos, etc.). This is called emunas chachamim — faith
in the sages. It is one of the forty-eight ways with which a person
acquires the Torah, as taught in the sixth chapter o f A vos. In fact, in the
sefer MIshnas Chachamim (the twenty-third m a’alah), it says that this
kinyan, method of acquisition, is the most important of all the forty-
eight methods. Furthermore, he writes that our entire faith depends
upon our emunas chachamim!

The Chazon Ish writes in his letters (Koveitz Igros, volume 1, letter
182) as follows: “ W e have faith in the words of the chochmei haTorah,
the Torah authorities, because we have faith in the fact that Hashem
gave us His Torah. It is impossible to determine the correct meaning of
the Torah without the interpretations rendered by living Torah sages.”
Meaning, since we believe that Hashem gave us the Torah, and since the
true understanding of it can only be transmitted to us by living talm idei
chachamim, it follows that we believe the words of our present-day,
qualified talm idei chachamim faithfully.
THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 133

The Chazon Ish in his sefer Emunah U'Bitachon (chapter 3, page 39)
writes the following: “ W e are obligated to believe that the Cedolim and
the true talm idei chachamim do not have any biases, and that they are
completely objective in all their decisions.”

The Chazon Ish, in a d iffe r e n t letter, writes as follows (volume

3, letter 9 2 ): “ [There a re ] those who maintain that there are two
different sections of Torah, one being halacha [for example, meat and
milk questions], and another being hashkafah and takanos [the Torah
worldview on general and community issues, and related safeguards
and guidelines]. They feel that regarding halacha they must listen to
da’as Torah, while for hashkafah and guidelines they can do as they
wish. This is exactly what the maskilim — the ‘enlightened‫ ׳‬defectors
from Judaism in Germany — believed, and it led all of them away from
Judaism, until nothing remained of them. To make such a distinction is a
distortion of the Torah, and it is a form of disrespecting Torah scholars.
One who believes this is from those who lose their portion in the World
to Come (Olam Haba) and is disqualified from being a kosher witness.”

In Parshas Shoftim (17:11), the Torah writes that we are obligated to

listen to the beis din hagadol. A person who disregards their rulings
and decisions transgresses a 10 sa'aseh, negative commandment — of
10 sasur, the prohibition of not straying [from the directives of Torah
scholars]. The Chofetz Chaim writes that this also obligates us to keep
the entire Torah Sheb’al Peh, the Oral Torah, as well as the interpretations
of the Torah and the enactments taught and instituted by our Sages.
The Chofetz Chaim then writes, based on the Sefer Hachinuch, that this
also obligates us to follow the decisions of the Cedolei Yisrael — the
Torah leaders of each and every generation, including our present-day
Torah leaders (Sefer Hamitzvos Hakatzar, 10 sa'aseh 158).
134 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Chazat say that whoever follows the counsel of the elders will not err
(Shemos Rabbah 8:3).

Rav Chaim of Volozhin writes (Ruach Chaim perek 6, mishna 9) that

the answer to every dilemma can be found in the Torah, and one who
takes his advice from the Torah will surely succeed and not stumble.
It follows, then, that the Torah leaders and the Torah scholars, who
are the ones who are properly equipped to render da'as Torah on all
matters, should be the ones consulted when faced with a quandary.

We can add to this what one of today’s esteemed Roshei Yeshivos said:
“ Considering the Cedolei Torah's vast Torah knowledge, their brilliance,
profound integrity, and their devotion to Am Yisrael, not following
their da'as Torah on all matters is nothing less than arrogance and utter
foolishness!” He added, “ Who else will you follow? Party leaders and
politicians whose agendas are power, prestige and monetary gain?”

Rav Doron Gold (Gadlus Hakadmonim, page 80) brings the following
statement from Rav Yosef Liss zt"h The main cause for the downfall
of the maskilim, the “ enlightened” Torah renegades, was that they
did not practice the following dictum: “ Chazal say (Shabbos 112b)
that if we relate to the earlier generations as to angels, then we can
consider ourselves humans, but if they are just humans, then we are
simply animals!” The maskilim viewed the great people of the past
and of Tanach as normal, regular people. This caused them to totally
misinterpret the Torah, and to have a complete disregard for the
authentic Torah viewpoint and directives. We have to realize, said Rav
Liss, that this dictum is one of the principles of our faith, perhaps even
more fundamental than all the thirteen principles of faith!

Perhaps we can apply this idea to having the proper appreciation

for the greatness of our Cedolim, and for how small and puny we are
THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 135

compared to them. If our Torah leaders and authorities are angels then
we are human beings, but if they are human beings...

The Gemara in G ittin (57a) writes that Yoshka Hanotzri, yim ach shm o,
is being punished in Cehinnom in boiling excrement, because whoever
disrespects the Torah sages is punished this way. For in addition to his
infamous, revolting sin of starting a new religion, he was also guilty of
disrespecting the Torah sages. The M a h a ra l (Netzach Yisrael 5) explains
that even though he persuaded people to leave Judaism and become
heretics, and was guilty of avodah zarah, nevertheless, disrespecting
the sages is a form of heresy, and is even worse than avodah zarah!
(Let us add to this that his misdeeds were also what caused terrible
persecution for the Jewish Nation for over a thousand years, as most
cruelty towards the Jews was based on ideas that came from his religion
and his followers — yet still, his punishment is for the disrespect he
exhibited to the Torah sages!). It would seem from this that besides
for disrespecting sages being worse than idolatry, it is probably a root
cause for it as well.

A number of years ago, there was a Rabbi who came up with a

“ loophole” to legitimize a mamzer, a child born of certain forbidden
relationships. Most Torah leaders protested this vehemently. Rav
Moshe Feinstein z t ” l was asked if it was permissible to show this Rav
respect in extenuating circumstances. He responded, “ No!” — but not
because of the heter for the mamzer, but because this Rabbi had been
disrespectful to another Rabbi! [When that other Rabbi was applying
for a Rabinnical position, the first Rabbi tried disqualifying him because
of old age. Rav Moshe said, “ We never heard of a Rav being disqualified
because of old age!” ] [As heard from R.M.Y., who heard it firsthand.]
136 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Rav Dessler writes in a letter to someone (Michtav M i’Eliyahu,

volume 1, page 75), Cedolei Yisroel — the Torah leaders of our
generation — are very great. They act solely for the sake of Heaven,
without any personal or side interests. They are geniuses of mind and
are exceedingly generous. When they make halachic rulings or other
decisions ‘Hashem’s Presence‫ ׳‬is with them (Hashem nitzav ba’adas
keil). It seems that you think that the Cedolei Yisrael made a serious
mistake, chas v'shalom. It is impossible for such a thing to happen with
the Jewish Nation. It is forbidden to hear such talk and, all the more so,
to speak this w ay... ‫״‬

Rav Dessler continues, “ I knew some of the Gedolim, and I was present
at some of their meetings. Even to people of little understanding such
as myself, their cleverness and foresight was astounding. With their
deep and penetrating genius, they saw to the depths of every matter.
For us simple people, it was impossible to grasp their clear-minded
decisions properly.

Furthermore, it was evident to anyone who witnessed their

meetings, that when they discussed and decided on public matters, it
was done totally for the sake of Heaven, and with a tremendous sense
of responsibility. It was truly an awesome sight and nothing could
compare to it. It was obvious that the Divine Presence of Hashem, the
Shechinah, rested on their endeavors, and that they had special Divine
inspiration (ruach hakodesh) the entire tim e... ”

Rav Dessler concluded, "Chaza! teach us that we need to accept the

words of the Torah leaders and authorities, even if they would tell us
that left is right. Certainly, one should not say, ‘They must have erred,
since “ little me‫ ״‬sees clearly. As a matter of fact, with my own senses,
I can say that they are wrong.‫ ׳‬Rather, my senses are to be negated
THE EIGI' " 'N I N C I P L E 137

in light of their genius, clarity, and their unique. Heavenly-inspired

success (siyatta diShmaya). There is a rule that a Rabbinical court may
not dispute a different court that is greater than them in wisdom and
number of members. Furthermore, even without that, what our senses
perceive as fact can quite possibly be our imagination or our mind
playing tricks on us; perhaps it is the yetzer hara confusing us. This is
the Torah’s definition of emunas chachamim, faith in the sages... A lack
of nullification to the Cedolim is the root of all sin and destruction, may
Heaven have mercy. All the merits in the world do not equal the source
of all good — emunas chachamim.” '

Rav Chaim Shmulevitz quotes from a midrash that Klal Yisrael without
Cedolim is like a bird without wings, which can’t accomplish anything.
This happens when the Jews do not respect the Cedolim properly; it
diminishes their ability to lead the Nation^

The Gemara writes in Shabbos (119b), that there is no cure for someone
who disparages a talm id chacham. The Gemara writes in Sanhedrin
(99b) that disparaging a talm id chacham is heresy! The Chofetz Chaim
writes in sefer Choftez Chaim (8:4) that this does not just mean the
Cedolim of two hundred years ago; rather, it applies even in present
times regarding anyone who is qualified to render halachic rulings and
toils in Torah.

There is a rule that middah tovah merubah — reward outweighs

punishment by far. From seeing the horrible and devastating results of

1. See also Ramban, Parshas S hoftim 17:11 and B lu r H a C ra , M ishlei 16:10; also see
Sefer Hachinuch, mitzvos 78 and 496, and Drashos HaRan, drush 11, pgs. 436-440.

2. W hen this happens, Heaven fo rb id , it is a fu lfillm e n t o f th e w o rs t situ a tio n

possible — th a t w hich is m e n tio n e d in Chagigah 14a, see th e re ; Sichos Mussar,
m a’am ar 61, page 258.
138 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

disrespecting talm idei chachamim, we can be sure that the benefit of

respecting all talm idei chachamim, and especially the Gedolim, is beyond
words. By giving them the honor they deserve, and by following their
da'as Torah loyally, we will gain tremendous good in this world and
the next. If only we would at least commit ourselves to avoid making
“ comments” about Rabbanim, or to listening to such talk, we would
see tremendous siyatta diShmaya and brachah in everything we do.

Rav Avigdor Miller, z t ” l, writes^ that after the murder of Gedaliah

ben Achikam the Jews fled to Egypt. This was against the prophecy
of Yirmiyahu Hanavi. To justify their disobedience, they claimed that
the “ politician” Baruch ben Neriah had swayed the old navi. Rav Miller
points out that this is, in fact, a standard method of evading the duty
of following the da’as Torah o f the Gedolim. [In the footnotes we bring
two stories that are examples of the frightening Heavenly punishment
for disrespecting Torah scholars'*].

3• The Torah Nation, c h a p t e r 1, n u m b e r 9 , p a g e 16 ( n e w e d it io n ) .

4. The fo llo w in g is a s to ry fro m th e sefer Chut Hameshulash (page 2 4 7 ) and fro m

th e s e f e r Otzros HaTorah, Parshas B'ha'aloscha (page 117), w h ich illu s tra te th e
a fo re m e n tio n e d p o in t.

In Slavita, Russia, th e re w e re t w o b ro th e rs, tzaddikim and talmidei chachamim,

w ho o w n e d a p rin tin g business. They published a b e a u tifu l Shas (Talmud) and
received exclusive rig h ts fo r p rin tin g th e Shas fo r te n years. This p a te n t w a s
signed by m any Gedolim, in clu din g th e Gadol Hador, Rebbe Akiva Eiger z t” l.
B efore th e te n years w e r e up, Rebbe Akiva Eiger decided th a t u nd e r tho se
p a rticu la r circum stances, a ccording to halachah, it w a s perm issible fo r a n o th e r
p rin tin g house to publish a n e w Shas. He thu s gave perm ission to th e p rin tin g
house in Vilna (th e R u m fa m ily ) to p rin t a S h a s o f th e ir o w n . The b ro th e rs fro m
th e Slavita p rin tin g house w e re very upset, and th e y accused R e b b e Akiva Eiger o f
deciding w ith o u t checking in to th e p e rtin e n t facts. They also claim ed th a t he w a s
T H E E IG h ^ X IN G P L E 139

a lre a d y o ld , and th a t his d e c is io n w a s based o n his son te llin g h im w h a t to sa y‫־‬

Besides f o r th is b e in g a te r r ib le in s u lt to R ebbe A k iv a Eiger, it w a s to ta lly u n tr u e ‫־‬
W h e n R ebbe A k iv a E iger fo u n d o u t w h a t th e y said, he s to o d up an d p ro c la im e d ,
^^Hashem, I te a c h p e o p le Y o u r W ill as 1 d e riv e it fr o m Y o u r T orah; th e s e p e o p le
are u n d e rm in in g Y o u r T o ra h . For m y p e rs o n a l h o n o r I can fo rg iv e , b u t Y o u r h o n o r
c a n n o t be fo rg iv e n , and so to o , f o r m y son^s h o n o r, 1 c a n n o t fo r g iv e !” He also
w r o te a le tte r to th e S lavita p rin te rs , s a y in g th a t th e y c o u ld n o t be fo rg iv e n f o r
th is .

T h a t v e ry n ig h t, a w o r k e r in th e S lavita p r in tin g c o m p a n y to o k his life by h a n g in g

h im s e lf in th e p r in tin g house* T he maskIHm (m e m b e rs o f th e ^^ e n lig h tm e n t” ) w e re
o n ly to o h a p p y to g o to th e a u th o ritie s an d accuse th e S lavita p rin te rs o f k illin g
h im (th e y w e re u p s e t a b o u t all th e sifrei kodesh th a t th e y p rin te d ). T he Russians
ju m p e d a t th e o p p o r tu n ity to p e rs e c u te Je w s, and had th e p rin te rs lo c k e d up in
jail w ith h a rd e n e d c rim in a ls u n d e r te r r ib le c o n d itio n s f o r th re e lo n g years. Each
and e v e ry day th e y in te rro g a te d th e m a b o u t th e in c id e n t. A f t e r th re e ye a rs th e y
issued th e ir v e rd ic t: T h e y w o u ld n e e d to ru n th e g a u n tle t and be g iv e n 1,500
b e a tin g s by w o o d e n clu b s, as th e y w a lk e d b e tw e e n t w o ro w s o f c lu b -w ie ld in g
s o ld ie rs, 250 in each ro w . T h e y w o u ld n e e d to pass b a ck and f o r t h th re e tim e s ,
w ith ju s t th e ir yarmulkes o n th e ir heads, and th e ir h a n d s tie d . If th e y s u rv iv e d ,
th e y w o u ld be s e n t to e x ile in S iberia f o r life .

T hey ran th e g a u n tle t, and d u rin g th e te r r ib le o rd e a l o n e o f th e b ro th e rs

d ro p p e d his yarmulke. In his g re a t tzidkus^ p ie ty , he s to o d s till d e s p ite th e e x tra
b e a tin g s he e n d u re d , u n til o n e o f th e s o ld ie rs re tu rn e d it to his h e ad. T he b ro th e rs
s u rv iv e d th e g a u n tle t w ith s o m e p e rm a n e n t in ju rie s , and w e re s e n t to S iberia.
T h e ir fa th e r, w h o w a s also in v o lv e d in th e s to ry , d ie d s h o rtly a fte r, beca u se o f
th e te r r ib le p u n is h m e n ts his sons had to e n d u re . A f t e r sco re s o f e ffo rts o n b e h a lf
o f th e t w o b ro th e rs , th e y w e re tra n s fe rre d fr o m S iberia to a s o m e w h a t e a sie r
jail in M o s c o w . A fte r b e in g in ja il f o r a b o u t t w e n ty ye a rs (in c lu d in g th e fir s t th re e
ye a rs), th e Czar d ie d , a fte r w h ic h th e y w e re fre e d .

( A t o n e p o in t, o n e o f th e b ro th e rs asked R ebbe A k iv a E iger w h y th e y w e re

p u n is h e d so s e ve re ly — a fte r all, th e y w e re also talm idei chachamim and th e ir
140 T H E T H IR T E E N P R IN C IP L E S O F F A IT H

A lth o u g h it^s a x io m a tic t h a t w e f o llo w da^as Torah fa ith fu lly ; p e rh a p s ;

b y s h a rin g s o m e p o in ts o n th e m a tte r ; w e w ill in cre a se o u r fa ith fu ln e s s

t o th e Gedolim, t o th e Roshei Yeshivah a n d t o th e Rabbanim. T he R am ban

in Parshas Shoftim (17:11) w r ite s t h a t th e sages w ill n o t e rr; be cau se

H ash e m w ill p r o t e c t th e m fr o m e rrin g . T he V iln a G aon in Mishlei (16:10)

m a k e s th e sa m e p o in t.

T he Sefer Hachinuch (m itz v o s 78 a n d 4 9 6 ) w r ite s t h a t e ve n if th e y do

e rr; H ash e m s till w a n ts us t o f o llo w th e m ; so t h a t th e re w ill be T o ra h

le a d e rs h ip a n d u n ity .

h o n o r w a s te r r ib ly d im in is h e d . R ebbe A k iv a Eiger, th e q u in te s s e n tia l cmav,

h u m b le m a n , re s p o n d e d by saying, am th e kavod haTorah o f th is g e n e ra tio n .” )

A ll a lo n g , as th e b ro th e rs w e n t th ro u g h th e ir to r tu r o u s o rd e a l, th e y re p e a te d
o v e r and o v e r th a t th is w a s a p u n is h m e n t fr o m H ashem w h ic h th e y d e s e rv e d ,
as th e M is h n a h in Avos te a c h e s (2:10), ^^Warm y o u rs e lf w ith th e fire o f th e
chachamim; h o w e v e r, ta k e care n o t to be b u rn e d by th e ir coals, f o r th e ir b ite is
th e b ite o f a fo x , and th e ir s tin g is like a scorpion^s; th e y can also be c o m p a re d
to a c e rta in snake w h ic h c a n n o t be c h a rm e d , and all th e ir w o rd s are fie ry c o a ls .”

In th e sefer Otzros HaTorah^ Parshas Devarim (p a g e 18) as w e ll as in th e se fe r

Sh^al Avicha^ (v o lu m e 1, p a g e 8 0 ), th e fo llo w in g s to ry is to ld . The R idvaz w a s th e
Rav o f S lu tzk. O ne tim e , th e fiv e m e m b e rs o f th e b o a rd b ro u g h t in s o m e o n e
else to serve as an u n o ffic ia l Rav, w it h o u t p e rm is s io n fr o m th e o ffic ia l Rav —
th e R idvaz. In f r o n t o f th e c o n g re g a tio n , a n d in th e p re s e n c e o f Rav S ha lo m o f
E isheshok and Rav Isser Z a lm a n M e ltz e r, th e R idvaz p ro c la im e d : ^^They h ire d a
n e w Rav to s ta rt up w ith m e. Ribbono she! O lam , if I w o u ld be Y a a ko v D o vid th e
s h o e m a k e r, w o u ld th e y ha ve g rie v a n c e s a g a in s t me? If I w a s a c a rp e n te r, w o u ld
th e y fin d fa u lt w ith me? R a th e r, it is because I le a rn Y o u r T o ra h ; th e re fo re , please
s ta n d by m y s id e .” T h e n he a n n o u n c e d th a t th o s e fiv e p e o p le w o u ld n o t live o u t
th e year. Sadly, th e y all d ie d w ith in a fe w m o n th s .
THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 141

Rav Shimshon Pincus, zt” l, (Nefesh Shimshon, Torah V'kinyaneha,

page 323) quotes what Rav Saadiah Gaon writes regarding prophets,
that since they are in a leadership position, it is evidence that Hashem
put them there purposely — because they are qualified and capable.
They will also be totally loyal to their duty, with complete honesty
and integrity. The same thing applies to the Gedolim and the Torah
authorities, says Rav Pincus.

It is well known that people who help and respect Gedolei Yisroel,
Rabbanim and talmidei chachamim merit great brachah, hatzlachah and
siyatta diShmaya. Furthermore, it is one of the best segulos for raising
good children who will be a source of nachas. How fortunate we are
that Hashem gave us Torah leaders and Rabbanim who are the eyes of
the nation, and who selflessly devote their time and energy, day and
night, to our wellbeing and success, in this world and in the next.
142 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

T H E E IG H T H P R IN C IP L E

E M P M A S C H A C H A ^ IM {¥ A llh l \

TORAH SCHOLARS) ‫ ־‬PART TWO

The eighth principle of emunah is Torah min haShamayim. Hashem

gave the Jews the Torah Shebichsav and the Torah Sheb'al Peh. Included
in this fundamental is the awareness that the Cedolei Torah are the
guardians and teachers of the Torah. They are the ones who pass the
Oral Torah down from generation to generation, which explains the
meaning of the Written Torah. They can also make enactments and
prohibitions to safeguard the continuity of the Torah. So too, in every
generation the Cedolei Torah are the ones who guide Klal Yisrael. They
maintain the Torah attitudes and atmosphere for Klal Yisrael, with their
teaching and their enactments^

One good way to increase our emunas chachamim is by reading

stories about Cedolim. When we see their amazing middos, ahavas
Yisrael, honesty, integrity and pleasantness; when we read about their
great perception and insight into human nature, coupled with their
tremendous and palpable level of yiras Shamayim and sheer genius,
this will surely bolster our emunas chachamim significantly. This will
enable us to deepen our commitment to listen to them and trust them

1. See Sefer Hachinuch, m itz v a h 4 9 6 , and S efer H am itzvos Hakatzar, 10

sa'aaseh 158, and M a tna s Chaim Kinyanim, kinyan em unas chachamim.

THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 143

in their roles as guardians and teachers of Torah and ratzon Hashem,

Hashem’s Will. Furthermore, we will get a chizuk in emunas chachamim
when we see their obvious siyatta diShmaya, ruach hakodesh and the
miracles that Hashem allows them to effects

Let me share an observation on this matter. Let us try to remember a

time when we experienced a spiritual high. Maybe it was at a wedding
or a chuppah; maybe a Simchas Torah or a Purim. We felt so connected
to Hashem, so far removed from taivos olam hazeh, the desires of this
world. We had such a positive feeling about ourselves and others. That
is a mere glimpse into the everyday feelings of Cedolei Yisrael!

Let us remember a time when we were extremely focused and able

to think deeply and analytically in a very calm way. Maybe while saying
a shiur or drashah, or after learning a Torah topic for a long time.
That can give a glimpse into a Cadol’s regular depth and breadth of
knowledge, coupled with unusual concentration, focus and complete
peace of mind.

Let me share a few stories that come to mind to serve as examples of

this, and to serve as a source of inspiration.

The Midrash Rabbah (Eikev 3:3) tells about the extreme reliability
and trustworthiness of the holy Tanna, Rebbe Pinchas ben Yair. He
was once asked to watch a small amount of barley for someone, but
the person forgot about it and left town. Rebbe Pinchas ben Yair
planted and harvested the barley and eventually, it accumulated into
a tremendous amount of produce. Seven years later the owner finally
came back to town — and Rebbe Pinchas ben Yair gave him a fortune

2. See th e se fe r Chayei O lam f o r m o re e la b o ra tio n and s to rie s o n th e

g re a tn e s s o f Chazal.
144 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

of produce! It’s amazing to what extent he got involved in a mundane

matter with such exertion and appreciation for the potential value of
another person’s assets.

Rav Efraim Wachsman tells the over following story: There is one
daf in Shas (Bava Kama 77a) with an unusually large amount of Tosfos;
why is this? Many years ago, wicked gentiles put a group of the holy
Ba’alei Tosfos in jail and told them that they were going to kill them
the following morning. The Ba’alei Tosfos were concerned about who
would transmit all their Torah to future generations. They therefore
cut themselves and, with their blood, wrote and wrote the entire night.
That is the amazing secret of those long Tosfos. The Cedolim of every
generation were totally devoted and committed, with great personal
self-sacrifice, to pass on the holy mesorah — our Torah heritage — with
the greatest levels of accuracy.

Rav Yitzchak Nosson Kupershtok, zt” l, author of Me’oros Nosson and

one of the famous tzaddikim of Bate! Brodie, Yerushalayim, told me the
following story. A rather simple Yeshiva bachur once asked a question
during the shiur of the great Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer, zt"l. Rav Isser
Zalman said, “ Such a strong question refutes the whole shiur,” and he
stopped the shiur in the middle. Later, a close talmid asked him, “ There
seems to be a few obvious answers; why did the Rosh Yeshivah stop the
shiur?” Rav Isser Zalman replied, “ You’re right, but there was a stranger
sitting in the shiur, and this is the first time this bachur ever asked me a
question. I therefore assumed that the man was a potential father-in-
law checking out this boy, who knew he was being rated. I therefore
wanted him to make a good impression.’’ In fact, shortly afterward the
man took this bachur for a son-in-law. I later heard from Rav Shmuel
Tefilinski, shlita, that he never heard this story, but all he knew was that
THE EIGI' " 'N IN C IP LE 145

so-and-so had a reputation that he had once stumped Rav Isser Zalman
during a shiur...

One Thursday, the son of the Alter of Kelm, Rav Nachum Velvel Ziv,
zt"l, felt that his end was near. He was quite certain he would be niftar
the following day, on Friday. Since his sister, the illustrious Nechama
Leba Broyde, had trouble walking and Friday is a hectic day, he arranged
in advance for a wagon driver to bring his sister back and forth from his
own levayah — and he paid for it in advance!^

Rav Yeruchim Levovitz, zt” l, the famous Mirrer Mashgiach, was once
traveling on a speeding train. Suddenly, one of his gloves fell out of the
window. Immediately, he grabbed the second glove and threw it out
the window, saying, “ Let the finder enjoy a whole set.”

A few students at Mercaz Harav were brutally murdered by Arab

terrorists. I was learning at the time in the Lakewood Yeshivah. That
Friday, The Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yerucham Olshin spoke about the terrible
tragedy in his Chumash shiur, shedding bitter tears. I don’t think I will
ever forget that display of ahavas Yisrael and nosei b’ol im chaveiro,
feeling another Jew ’s pain.

My Mashgiach in the Bayonne Yeshivah, Rav Meir Birnbaum, told over

the following story (he heard it from Rav Meir Stern, Rosh Yeshivah of
Passaic, who heard it directly from the protagonist): A man brought
his son to Rav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, for his upsherin. Rav Chaim said
that the boy seemed too young for his upsherin. The father explained

3. This amazing story is brought by Rav Reuven Schmeiczer in his book The
Heart ofEmunah (page 179). He heard it from his Rebbe, Rav Moshe Shapiro,
zt”l, who heard it from his father Rav Meir, zt” l. Rav Meir was raised by Rav
Nachum Velvel. Even though at the time of this story Rav Meir Shapiro was
just eleven years old, it made a lifetime impression on him!
146 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

that the doctors had given his son a very short time to live, and he
was hoping this would give him zechuyos, merits. Rav Chaim brought
the boy to his house and gave him some wine from his siyum on kol
haTorah kulah, the entire Torah. He told the father to bring his son back
when he turned three. By the time the next examination arrived, the
doctors could not believe their eyes — the disease had completely
disappeared!

Let us strengthen ourselves in our emunas chachamim, Torah Sheb'al

Peh, in the Torah educators and the Cedolei Torah of every generation.
This will help us overcome the trials we face during the ikvasa d'mishicha
when this is a tremendous challenge. B ’ezras Hashem, this will enable
us to greet Moshiach with emunah sheleimah.
THE NINTH PRINCIPLE 147

T H E N IN T H P R IN C IP L E

THE ETERNAL TORAH (PART 0 \ ^ "

The clarion call of every Jew throughout the generations is, “ I believe
with complete faith that our holy Torah will never be changed, nor
will it ever be replaced by a new or different Torah.” This is the ninth
fundamental of our emunah as taught by the Rambam, and as brought
in the thirteen An; Ma'amins.

Three thousand years ago and some, Hashem gave us the Torah at Har
Sinai. The word “ T o ra h ” means instruction or guidance, and true to its
name, it is an all-encompassing guide for every aspect of life. The Torah
teaches us our obligations and the required attitudes in all spectrums
of life. This Ani Ma'amin states that the exact Torah given then is the
very same Torah we have today, and it is the Torah that will always be.

Hashem gave us the Aseres Hadibros on Har Sinai, and for the next
forty years in the Midbar, Hashem taught Moshe Rabbeinu the entire
Torah. Moshe then taught it to Klal Yisrael. Chazal teach that, in fact, the
entire Torah was given in some form at Har Sinai.

In practice, this means that the Chamishah Chumshei Torah, Nach,

Talmud Bavli and Yerushalmi, the Midrash, Rambam, Ramban, Rashba,
Rashi and the Tur, the Shulchan Aruch, Rav Akiva Eiger’s writings, the
Pnei Yehoshua and the Vilna Gaon’s sefarim, the Mishnah Berurah and
all the other accepted great Torah works are all Toras Hashem. In truth,
all Torah discussions and explanations that are in accordance with the
148 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

mesorah’s methods of learning are considered Toras Hashem as taught

by Chazal.Toras Hashem was taught to Moshe Rabbeinu and transmitted
in its complete form throughout the generations until today.

Let us make a very important observation. The Torah teaches every

aspect of life. Since Hashem taught us that the Torah will never be
changed, it follows that the words of the Torah will guide us in ail
matters for all time. In every generation, including today, with all the
new inventions and newly revealed knowledge, the Torah is still the
complete guide to all aspects of our lives.

This is an amazing point, and it is very important to internalize this

well. With all the progress in the world, many new questions arise, and
we need to turn to the Gedolei Torah to guide us in each and every
situation. With their complete absorption in the toil of Torah, they are
the ones who are able to guide us in how to apply the words of the
eternal Torah in every situation.

The Mishnah in Avos (Perek 5) teaches us, “ Hafoch ba v'hafoch

bah dekulah bah, delve into it over and over again, for everything is
contained in it.” Rabbeinu Yonah (brought in Orchos Yosher, os hei)
writes that hafoch means “ review.” We need to constantly review the
words of the Torah, for all the wisdom of the world is included in it. All
matters of the world can be found in the deep waters of the Torah. The
Ramban in his preface to Chumash writes that Shlomo Hamelech knew
all the wisdom of the world, and he learned it all from the words of the
Torah.

Our Torah is the Toras Chaim, the instruction for life. The Chovos
Halevavos writes (Shaar Habechinah 4) that the Torah teaches us how to
have a good and successful Olam Hazeh, besides for it being the guide
to acquiring Olam Haba. The Maggid of Dubno famously writes that the
THE NINTH PRINCIPLE 149

litmus test of whether a person is keeping the mitzvos properly is if

it is pleasurable and flows well with life (haftorah, Sefer Vayikra). By
learning all the topics of the Torah well, the Gedolei Torah can become
well-versed in all there is to know about all the matters of the world.

There is also the concept called sod Hashem I’yerei’av, Hashem

imparts His secrets to those who fear Him. This is a reference to the
great Torah scholars - why are they referred to as the ones who fear
Hashem? It can be explained as follows. We fin d that we recite the
bracha, asher chalak mi’chachmaso TyereTav — “ He imparts from His
wisdom to those who fear Him” on great Torah scholars. The Nefesh
Hachaim (4:4,5) elaborates about how yiras Shamayim is the “ storage
house” for true Torah greatness; thus, we call a Gadol baTorah a yarei
— one who fears Hashem.

Furthermore, the true and higher level of yiras Shamayim is yiras

haromemus — fear and awe of the grandeur of Hashem. This includes
a sensory awareness and closeness to Hashem, which includes an
understanding of many of Hashem’s deep secrets, so to speak. Thus,
the Gedolei Torah have a keen understanding of the deep secrets of the
world and its inner workings.

Another important point to make is that Chazal tell us (see Nefesh

Hachaim 4:10), “ Histakeil b'Oraisa u’bara alma,” meaning that Hashem
looked into the Torah and with it, created the world. The Torah is the
blueprint of the world (ibid.). Furthermore, the Vilna Caon writes
that everything that will transpire in the world until the end of time
is hinted to in the words of the Torah, down to the minutest details’.
Based on this, it is understandable that those who spend their lives

1. B ro u g h t in sefer Yud Gimmel Ikrim im biur h akdam os v 's h e 'a rim , p age 147,
yesod ha'asiri.
150 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

immersed in the depths of Torah are knowledgeable and well-versed in

all the wisdom of the world, and their advice on every subject is full of
brilliance and clarity.

Rav Chaim Kanievsky in his sefer Orchos Yosher (os hei) brings many
sources that underscore that Cedolei Torah are privy to vast amounts
of knowledge and to many secrets in all areas. Besides for their
otherworldly level of Torah knowledge, they know a tremendous
amount in many “ worldly” subjects, such as science, medicine, finances,
social intricacies and much more.

The Chazon Ish, on various occasions, wrote exact diagrams for

surgeries on the brain, heart and more. Even after great doctors had
given up, he guided them with surprising clarity (see sefer Ma'aseh Ish
by R’ Tzvi Yabrov^). Throughout the ages, Cedolei Torah were known
to have a clear grasp on many thorny issues in all areas of life.

“ Toras Hashem temimah — Hashem’s Torah is complete” (Tehillim

19). Of course, there are many different levels of da'as Torah and Torah-
based knowledge. But each person, according to his level of Torah
knowledge, can glean a tremendous amount of clarity and wisdom
in all areas, solely through their connection to true Torah study. The
true talmid chacham also has the clarity and integrity to send people to
others for their advice when necessary^

2. See Ma'aseh Ish vo lu m e 1, page 208 (5759 e d itio n ) and vo lu m e 3, pages 232
and 234 (5760 e d itio n ).

3. We do n o t always m e rit Torah scholars o f th e Chazon Ish’s caliber. H ow ever, th e

p o in t w e are m aking is th a t Torah scholars have tre m e n d o u s in sig h t and receive
g re a t siyata diShmaya, Divine assistance, re g a rd in g countless to p ic s across th e
spectrum . F u rthe rm ore w hen in fo rm e d a b o u t th e m ain p o in ts on any im p o rta n t
to p ic , th e y are fa r m ore p ercep tive th a n m any e xp e rts in th e fie ld . A d d itio n a lly ,
THE NINTH PRINCIPLE 151

The more we immerse ourselves in Torah, and the more we follow the
advice of the Cedolei Torah, the more we will fin d clarity in navigating
the often-confusing maze of this world.

we have c o u n t le s s w r i t i n g s a n d tra d itio n s fro m gedolei Torah th ro u g h o u t th e

ages, w h ich illu m in a te fo r us m any to p ics even in to d a y ’s tim es.
152 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE NINTH PRINCIPLE

The ninth An/ Ma’amin is that our Torah will never be changed, nor
will we be given a new or different Torah. Included in this is that in the
past 3,300 years, since the grand revelation at Sinai, no one made any
changes to ourTorah and got away with it, nor did Hashem introduce any
changes to ourTorah since then. So too, no changes were introduced
and accepted in any of the teachings of the Torah, or in how we follow
the mitzvos of the Torah.

This ikar still applies today, and no one can come and make changes
or additions to the Torah.

We can also include in this Ikar that the Torah will be binding and
relevant always and forever. Not only will there never be any changes,
but the Torah’s relevance will never diminish, chas v’shalom.

An important point pertaining to this ikar is that Klal Yisrael and the
Cedolim have always been wary of any innovations or changes in the
accepted ways of learning Torah and doing mitzvos, and even in Torah
attitudes. The Chasam Sofer famously commented, “ Chadash assur
min haTorah — New things [a play on words on the halachic term of
chadash applying to new grains] are forbidden from the Torah.”

Although certain new ideas and nuances in avodas Hashem and in

learning styles were introduced over the years by great leaders of
THE NINTH PRINCIPLE 153

Klal Yisrael, on the whole these innovations faced fierce opposition by

other Cedolim, and at the very least a very suspicious attitude toward
them until they were finally accepted (this topic is beyond the scope of
this book. It goes without saying that certainly no changes were made
to any mitzvos or Torah obligations, chas v'shalom).

It goes without saying that Torah Shebichsav is transmitted very

carefully to ensure that no words are changed, chas v’shalom. For
example, halachah requires a sofer writing a sefer Torah to read from
a different sefer as he writes, and not write by heart. Torah Sheb’al
Peh, too, is transmitted with utmost care and accuracy. Even in recent
generations there was a lot of stress placed on repeating the exact
phrases said by earlier Torah giants. The way we do mitzvos is given
over very specifically, and even minhagim, customs and traditions that
are not halachah per se are guarded carefully.

This adds to our confidence that our Torah has stayed the same for
the past 3,300 years since Kabbalas HaTorah, when two million Jews
received the Torah from Hashem.

One of the most prominent Torah families in America is the Shustal

family. Many of the family members are great Torah leaders. It is told
that one of the children of Rav Simcha Shustal, zt” l, the late Rosh
Yeshivah of the Stamford Yeshivah, was once at his grandmother’s
house on Chanukah. He was surprised to see that she used cottonseed
oil and not the halachically preferred olive oil for the Chanukah menorah.
When he asked about it, she replied, “ Zeidy said that since in Europe
this type was used because of the rampant poverty there, it’s worth
continuing to use it even now, when olive oil is easily accessible. Why?
Because if we make changes even for the better, who knows which
changes will be made for the worse?”
154 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

The Chofetz Chaim writes in his sefarim about people who were lax
in mitzvah performance, and even ridiculed the Torah, claiming that it
was, chas v'shalom, outdated. In the beginning of his seforim Taharas
Yisrael and Nidchei Yisrael (43,44) he discusses at length various points
that show the reliability and absolute truthfulness of our Torah and our
emunah, and the eternal kedushah of the Torah. One strong point he
makes is that we have a powerful mesorah. From Har Sinai until today,
each generation transmitted the Torah with much care. Each and every
generation was moser nefesh, sacrificed much, to learn the Torah
thoroughly, and to keep all the mitzvos at any and every expense. Many
gave their lives to keep the Torah. This clearly demonstrates that all
these people had no doubts whatsoever about the truth of the Torah
— that it is the exact words of the Creator and Controller of the world,
and that it is the source of life in this world and the next. It is therefore
obvious that it is a true and eternal Torah.

Rav Friedman of Ramat Shlomo told over the following story: In

the ghetto during World War II, despite the terrible conditions and
starvation, a certain Jew sat and studied Torah diligently. He was
immersed in a different world, in the sweet words of Abaye and Rava.
Suddenly, he realized sadly that a whole page of the Gemara Eiruvin
was missing. He tried remembering it by heart and was able to recall
almost the entire daf. However, there was one Tosfos which, try as he
might, he just could not remember, and it bothered him terribly. He
went searching for a different Gemara Eiruvin. Finally, to his excitement,
he found one — but the price was one week’s worth of bread! He
happily agreed, trading his earthly sustenance for the Divinely sweet
and otherworldly energizing words of Torah.

Throughout the years, Jews have given their all to be able to immerse
themselves in Torah learning. The Torah was given over with exactitude.
THE NINTH PRINCIPLE 155

every word transmitted with extreme precision, great love and a deep
sense of responsibility. The Chayei Adam wrote in the introduction
to his sefer that in former times parents were never concerned with
their son’s future livelihood. Rather their sole concern was for him to
develop into a true talmid chacham!

Klal Yisrael never allowed any changes to the Torah and mitzvos, and
the Jews always devoted their lives to limud haTorah and to keeping
all of the Torah’s mitzvos with great self-sacrifice and exactness. By
contemplating this, our em unah that - zos haTorah 10 tehei muchlefes,
this is the Torah, and it will never be changed - will be strengthened,
be’ezras Hashem.
156 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE TENTH PRINCIPLE

H A S H G A C H A H P I A T I S , D I¥ IN E
A i \v ^ ONI '

The tenth of the thirteen fundamentals of faith is yedias Hashem

— Hashem’s knowledge of all the world’s events — and hashgachas
Hashem — H a s h e m ’s c o m p le te m a n a g e m e n t o f th e w o r ld (R am b a m ,
Peirush Hamishnayos, Sanhedrin, Perek Cheiek').

This means that Hashem knows all of our actions and thoughts all the
time (Ani M a’amin, siddur); He knows everything — past, present and
future. Although this is fairly well known, it requires constant review
and internalization (see Mesilas Yesharim, hakdamah).

A number of seforim that elaborate on the ikrei emunah (see Da'as

Emunah) place the focus of this ikar on Hashem’s management of
the world. This is called hashgachah, which we will now discuss. For
the most part, we will go with the approach generally known as the
approach of the Vilna Gaon and the Baal Shem TovT

In the siddur Ishei Yisrael (otherwise known as Siddur HaGra), in the

commentary of the Siach Yitzchak on Hodu, there is a very fundamental

1. See A ni M a’am in, siddur; Da’as Emunah by Rav Rakowsky; and Sefer Yud
Gimmel Ikrim (Hakdamos V’she’arim ).

2. See Ya’aros Dvash, vo lum e 2, drush 6, in th e nam e o f th e Ramban.

l- ii NTH PRINCIPLE 157

and most amazing discussion pertaining to our topic. Let us bring some
of his points.

At times, the yetzer hara attempts to confound us with gloomy

thoughts: “ What have I accomplished in life, and what future in Olam
Haba can I hope for?” When faced with these thoughts, a wise person
takes comfort in the fact that he is a descendant of the great Avos,
our Forefathers, and that he is a member of the Chosen Nation. This,
in and of itself, is a great success and deserves a great afterlife. In a
similar vein, a great tzaddik once wrote in his will: “ I feel completely
inadequate; however, I base my hopes on one thing, that at least I am a
member of Hashem’s special nation and have always stuck to the path
of em unah”

However, at times a person is confronted with a terrifying thought:

Who knows, maybe I am not even deserving of the title ‘Je w '? Therefore
we must understand: what is, in fact, the basic criteria, the identifying
characteristics of a Jew? What distinguishes a Jew from, I'havdil, a non-
Jew, and as such, demands him to be extra attentive and committed?

The Siach Yitzchak answers that there are two qualifications that
bond a person to the Jewish Nation. The first is believing in hashgachah
pratis, Divine Providence. This means to believe that Hashem runs
every aspect of the world in a very specific, purposeful and detailed
way. The second is accepting Hashem’s master plan happily, and to be
willing to suffer for Hashem’s sake, if necessary.

This is an amazing revelation— that the defining factors of the Jewish

identity are believing in hashgachah pratis and being satisfied with
Hashem’s master plan. The Siach Yitzchak goes on to bring sources for
this.
158 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

The Siach Yitzchak cites a very fundamental comment of the Ramban

at the end of Parshas Bo. The Ramban discusses how the miracles of
Yetzias Mitzrayim provide proof of all aspects of emunah. He establishes
that open miracles are proof that, in general, a person is surrounded
all the time by what are called “ hidden miracles.” The Ramban then
makes a remarkable statement. He says that everything that happens
to a person in his life — health, longevity, financial stability and so on
— are all hidden miracles. This knowledge is the foundation of the
entire Torah. The entire Torah revolves around this point! This means
that there are no random occurrences; rather, whatever happens in
the world and to us, throughout our entire lives, is Hashem’s on the
scene orchestrating, controlling and actually doing everything. It is all
connected to and based on our level of commitment to Torah and our
observance of the mitzvos. Even when an incident seems totally based
on normal explainable phenomena, it is really the Hand of Hashem,
concealed by “ normal” circumstances. The Ramban says that if one
does not believe this, he has no connection with Toras Moshe Rabbeinu!
The Ramban in his introduction to lyov also elaborates on thisT

From here we see that emunah in hashgachah pratis is an essential and

hallmark quality of a Jew. The Siach Yitzchak continues with a second

3. A lth o u g h it is p o p u la r to e x p la in th a t th is Ram ban is a so u rce th a t even

w h a t o n e w o u ld call teva h , so to sp ea k n a tu ra l p h e n o m e n a (e.g., a ca n d le
b u rn in g o r th e fo rc e o f g ra v ity ), is a c tu a lly h id d e n m ira c le s (nissim nistarim),
Rav Y ose f Jacobs shlita w r o te an a m a z in g sa fe r e n title d N iflaos H a'Em unah,
w h ic h e x p la in s o th e rw is e . He w rite s th a t a fte r le a rn in g th is and o th e r pieces
o f th e R am ban w e ll, it beca m e c le a r th a t th e R am ban does, in fa c t, m a in ta in
th a t besides f o r nissim nistarim, h id d e n m iracles, H ashem has a d iffe re n t
system called tevah. Rav Jacobs q u o te s th a t th e C hazon Ish d e fin e s tevah as
H a she m ’ s c o n s ta n t and c o n s is te n t R a tzon , W ill.
l- ii NTH PRINCIPLE 159

source for this point. He cites the Orchos Chaim L’haRosh (25), who says
as follows:

“ Trust in and rely on Hashem. Believe in hashgachah pratis. By

doing so, you will accomplish with your heart what is called yichud
ha’shalem [internalizing Hashem’s Oneness and the fact that He alone
does everything in the entire world]. One does this by believing and
internalizing that Hashem’s ‘eyes’ are gazing everywhere on earth,
and His ‘eyes’ are observing all the ways of all people. Furthermore,
Hashem discerns what is in a person’s heart, and He analyzes man’s
kidneys [the kidneys are the seat of man’s counsel].”

The Rosh continues, “ If one does not believe that Hashem is the
one who took the Jews out of Mitzraylm [meaning that He manages
the world with hashgachah pratis], then it must be that he also does
not accept the actual existence of Hashem at all [which we were
commanded to believe from the pasuk, “ Anochi Hashem Elokecha,”
the first of the Aseres Ha’dibros]. If so, there is no yichud shalem. For
this [emunah in hashgachah pratis] distinguishes the uniqueness of
the Jews from above all the other nations of the world, and this is the
foundation of the entire Torah!”

Based on this, says the Siach Yitzchak, we are obligated to constantly

internalize emunah in hashgachah pratis. Similarly, we must be especially
careful to be honest in monetary matters, which is contingent upon
living with the awareness of hashgachah pratis. Finally, we need to
improve our Shabbos observance, because Shabbos is a reminder of
Yetzias Mitzrayim, which represents Hashem’s massive revelation of
hashgachah pratis in our lives.

The other basic, defining characteristic of a Jew is accepting Hashem’s

master plan without complaints, and to be ready and willing to suffer
160 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

for Hashem’s sake, if necessary. This finds its source in the words of
the Ramban (Devarim 7:6), where he writes that Hashem chose Klal
Yisrael to be His special Nation. This is because the Jews have this very
quality — that they are ready to suffer for His sake. In fact, our history
is replete with countless stories of Jews who gave their all for Hashem
in every way.

It would seem that these two qualities highlight a Jew ’s special, real
and personal relationship with Hashem and His Will, as expressed in His
Torah.

The Chazon Ish, zt” l, told his talmid, Rav Torchin, that the difference
between great people and simple people is that great people constantly
talk to Hashem. They ask Him for help with every little thing, down to
the smallest details. This is a practical way to constantly grow in our
emunah in hashgachah pratis.

When we sayShema, it is a good time to accept our lot in life, no matter

what, as the Will of Hashem Echad, Hashem who is One. Hashem Echad,
besides for being a declaration of Hashem’s Oneness, also implies that
everything that happens, whether it seems to be good or bad, are all
from the one and only G-d. He has my best interests at heart, as it were,
and I am even prepared to give up my life for the sake of His honor and
the fulfillment of His Will!
l- ii NTH PRINCIPLE 161

THE TENTH PRINCIPLE

H A S H G A C H A S H A S H E D , D I¥ IN E
CPART TW O )

T h e t e n th fu n d a m e n ta l o f emunah is t h a t H ash e m k n o w s e v e ry th in g

t h a t tra n s p ire s a n d t h a t He m a n a g e s a n d c o n tro ls th e w o r ld .

Rav S h a lo m S c h w a d ro n , z t” l, to ld o v e r th e fo llo w in g s to ry . A p e rs o n

w it h s p e c ia l-n e e d s w a s o n c e s ta n d in g o n th e side o f a tr a ffic lig h t. W h e n

th e lig h t w a s re d , he w a v e d t o th e cars t o s to p , a n d w h e n it tu rn e d
g re e n , he w a v e d t h a t th e y s h o u ld g o . Rav S h a lo m c o m m e n te d , “ W e

m a y fin d th is a b it a m u s in g , b u t d o n ’t w e d o th e sam e th in g ? H ashem

d e c id e s o n R osh H a sh a n ah e x a c tly h o w m u c h m o n e y w e a re g o in g t o

e a rn th e e n tire ye a r, a n d y e t s till w e ru n a ro u n d a n d w o r k o v e rtim e ,

th in k in g t h a t w e a re b rin g in g in th e m o n e y !”

T h e a fo re m e n tio n e d p o in t is a c tu a lly a G e m a ra in Beitza (16a),

w h ic h s ta te s t h a t an in d iv id u a l’ s parnassah is d e c id e d b y H ash e m o n

Rosh H ash a n a h . T he S te ip le r in Birkas Peretz (Parshas Shemos) p o in ts

o u t t h a t a p e rs o n can a lte r his d e c re e th r o u g h tepllah, teshuvah a nd

zechuyos, m e rits . A d d itio n a lly , w e fin d n u m e ro u s re fe re n c e s in Chazal

t o H a s h e m ’s hanhagah, m a n a g e m e n t a n d hashgachah pratis in th e

w o r ld . L e t us b rin g s o m e o f th e m .

T h e G e m a ra in Yoma (3 8 b ) s ta te s t h a t n o o n e can to u c h s o m e th in g th a t

is m e a n t f o r his f e llo w m a n , e v e n as m u c h as th e size o f a h a irb re a d th .

162 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

T h e sefer Chofetz Chaim a! HaTorah (Parshas M ishpatim ) m e n tio n s

t h a t w h e n D o v id H a M e le c h w a s c u rs e d b y S h im i b e n G eira, D o vid said

t h a t “ H ash e m to ld h im t o c u rs e ” — in o th e r w o rd s , he w a s sa yin g th a t

e v e n w h e n a d iffe r e n t p e rs o n h a rm s h im , he is s im p ly a m e s s e n g e r o f

H ash e m - b e c a u s e e v e ry th in g ia b'hashgachah pratis.

T h e C h o fe tz C haim b rin g s a s o u rc e f o r th is fr o m Rashi. T he G em ara in

Bava Kama (8 5 a ) asks, “ H o w a re w e a llo w e d t o h eal a sick p e rs o n ? ” If it

is H a s h e m ’ s W ill t h a t s o m e o n e s h o u ld be ill, w h a t r ig h t d o w e ha ve t w o
in te rv e n e ? T he G e m a ra a n s w e rs t h a t th e pasuk s ta te s (M ish p a tim 21:19),

“ V’rapeh y ’rapheh, A n d he sh a ll h e al h im .” F ro m h e re w e le a rn th a t
p e rm is s io n is g ra n te d t o h e al th e ill. Rashi e x p la in s th a t th e q u e s tio n th e

G e m a ra is a d d re s s in g is as fo llo w s : S ince H ashem h u r t th is p e rs o n , h o w

can w e g o a n d c h a n g e it? B u t th e C h o fe tz C haim asks: W h a t d o e s Rashi

m ean? T h is pasuk is r e fe r r in g t o s o m e o n e w h o w a s in ju re d in te n tio n a lly

by s o m e o n e else - w h y , th e n , d o e s Rashi r e fe r t o it as H a s h e m ’s d o in g ?

E xp la in s th e C h o fe tz C haim , w e see f r o m h e re th a t e ve n w h e n a p e rs o n

h u rts s o m e o n e else in te n tio n a lly , i t ’ s all hashgachah pratis. H ash e m ju s t

d e c id e d t h a t it s h o u ld be c a rrie d o u t in such a fa s h io n , b u t He w a s tr u ly

th e o n e b e h in d it. (T h is ide a can h e lp us c o p e w it h d iffic u lt s itu a tio n s

lo aleinu, g a in in g us th e u n d e rs ta n d in g t h a t it w a s g o in g t o h a p p e n n o
m a tte r w h a t, b e ca u se it is w a s a H e a v e n ly d e c re e .)

T h e G e m a ra in Chullin (7 b ) w r ite s t h a t e v e ry tim e a p e rs o n b a n g s his

to e , th e r e is a p r io r a n n o u n c e m e n t in Shamayim th a t it s h o u ld h a p p e n .

T he G e m a ra in Avodah Zarah (5 5 a ) w r ite s t h a t all s u ffe rin g is v e ry e x a c t,

d o w n t o th e p re c is e m o m e n t w h e n it s h o u ld s ta r t a n d w h e n it s h o u ld
s to p . S u ffe rin g e v e n in c lu d e s m in o r in c o n v e n ie n c e s . W e can le a rn th is

fr o m th e G e m a ra in Erchin (1 6 b ), w h ic h te a c h e s re m a rk a b ly th a t th e

s m a lle s t ty p e o f s u ffe rin g [w h ic h can s till se rve as in d ic a tio n th a t th e

p e rs o n is n o t. H ea ve n fo r b id , re c e iv in g his fu tu r e re w a rd in th is w o r ld ]
l- ii NTH PRINCIPLE 163

is w h e n o n e a tte m p s r e tr ie v in g th r e e c o in s fr o m his p o c k e t a n d o n ly

t w o c o m e o u t, n e c e s s ita tin g an e x tra a tt e m p t o n his p a rt. The G em ara

in Kesubos (3 0 a ) s ta te s t h a t e v e n to d a y , w h e n w e n o lo n g e r h a ve th e

f o u r ty p e s o f c a p ita l p u n is h m e n t H a sh e m s till a rra n g e s it th a t s im ila r

d e a th s s h o u ld o c c u r w h e n d e s e rv e d .

W h e n it c o m e s t o m a rria g e , w e c a n ’t h e lp b u t n o tic e th e o b v io u s
hashgachah pratis in so m a n y shidduchim. W e fin d in th e G em ara
in Sotah (2 a ) t h a t f o r t y days b e fo re a c h ild is b o rn , a H e a v e n ly v o ic e

a n n o u n c e s , “ T h e d a u g h te r o f s o -a n d -so w ill m a rry so -a n d -s o .”

T h e G e m a ra in Bava Basra (9 1 b ) s ta te s th a t all p o s itio n s h e ld b y

in d iv id u a ls , e v e n a m in o r o n e such as b e in g in c h a rg e o f w a te r p its ,

a re a p p o in te d b y H a sh e m . T he Maharsha asks: W h y d o e s th e G em ara

n o t te ll us a b o u t th e f a c t t h a t e v e n g r e a t m o n a rc h s a re a p p o in te d b y
H ash e m , w h ic h is a m u c h g r e a te r fe a t? He a n s w e rs th a t th is G em ara

is h ig h lig h tin g th e f a c t t h a t H ash e m ru n s a n d c o n tro ls e v e n th e m in o r

a n d in s ig n ific a n t th in g s t h a t ta k e p la c e in th e w o r ld , all th e tim e .

Rav S h im s h o n P incus, z t ” l, in his sefer Tiferes Torah (Parshas Noach)

e la b o ra te s o n th e to p ic o f hashgachah pratis. L e t us b rin g s o m e o f his

p o in ts : He w r ite s th a t, o f c o u rs e , H ash e m ru n s e v e ry la s t d e ta il o f th e

w o r ld in a v e ry s p e c ific w a y . H o w e v e r, th e re is a b ig d iffe re n c e b e tw e e n

Klal Yisrael a n d n o n -J e w s , a n im a ls a n d in a n im a te o b je c ts . H a s h e m ’s
c o n tr o l a n d in te ra c tio n w it h e v e ry J e w is v e ry p e rs o n a l, a n d is f o r th e

sake o f th e in d iv id u a l p e r se. H ash e m d e als w ith each J e w w ith lo v e

a n d ca re , lik e a f a t h e r d e a ls w it h his c h ild re n . T h e re is a c o n n e c tio n a nd

a p e rs o n a l re la tio n s h ip w it h ea ch J e w .

O n th e o th e r h a n d , re g a rd in g th e re s t o f th e w o r ld , a lth o u g h H ashem

d e a ls w ith , a rra n g e s , ru n s a n d d ire c ts e v e ry th in g w ith g re a t d e ta il a nd

p re c is io n , it lacks H a s h e m ’s “ p e rs o n a l” in te re s t, so t o sp e ak. It is n o t
164 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

f o r th e sake o f a s p e c ific p e rs o n , a n im a l o r o b je c t; ra th e r, it is f o r th e

g e n e ra l m a in te n a n c e a n d p u rp o s e o f th e e n tire g ro u p o r sp e cie s as a

w h o le .

Rav S h lo m o W o lb e , z t”l, w r ite s t h a t th e re is a m a jo r d iffe re n c e

b e tw e e n th e s e c u la r v ie w p o in t as o p p o s e d t o th e T o ra h p e rs p e c tiv e

and re a lity o f th e o b s e rv a n t J e w . F am ous n o n -J e w is h th in k e rs

p o s tu la te t h a t m a n ’ s d e e p e s t fe e lin g s a re his v a rio u s fe a rs . H o w e v e r,

says Rav W o lb e , w e k n o w fr o m th e T o ra h a n d fr o m o u r e x p e rie n c e ,

t h a t th e d e e p e s t m o tiv a tin g fe e lin g s a n d th e in n e rm o s t e m o tio n s are

bitachon — t r u s t a n d re lia n c e o n H a s h e m — a n d yedidus — an in tim a te
clo s e n e s s w it h Hashem’.

H o w d o w e ta p in to th is bitachon a n d yedidus? W ith emunah in

hashgachah pratis. L o o k a ro u n d , see all th e o p e n hashgachah pratis in

y o u r life , a ro u n d y o u a n d in h is to ry . T he m o re y o u lo o k , th e m o re y o u

w ill n o tic e it. This w ill f o s t e r a tr e m e n d o u s a m o u n t o f bitachon a nd

yedidus. By c o n s ta n tly p ra y in g w it h kavanah, p r o p e r in te n t, a n d w ith

c o n s is te n t th a n k s a n d p ra is e t o H ash e m , w e also ta p in to hashgachah

pratis, bitachon a n d yedidus w it h H ash e m .

Rav M o s h e F e in s te in , z t ” l, w r ite s (Igros Moshe, YD 3:76, v o lu m e

6 ) t h a t th e m a in fo c u s o f chinuch is t o te a c h o u r c h ild re n emunah in

H a s h e m ’s e x is te n c e a n d in th e t r u t h o f th e T o ra h , a n d t o te a c h th e m

t h a t e v e ry th in g t h a t w e g iv e th e m is a p re s e n t fr o m H ash e m . T h ro u g h

th is th e y w ill c o m e t o lo v e H ash e m , a n d , b y e x te n s io n , th e ir p a re n ts ,

w h o a re His H e a v e n ly m e s s e n g e rs . T h e y w ill th e n easily a c c e p t all o f

th e ir p a re n ts ’ d ire c tiv e s as th e W ill o f H ash e m .

1. B is h v ile i H a r e fu a h L’Beis C h o lim L a n ia d o , S iv a n 5 7 4 2 /1 9 8 2 .

 ‫ ד‬NTH PRINCIPLE 165

O ne o f th e c e n tra l p o in ts o f hashgachah pratis is th a t Hashem ^s le ve l

o f in v o lv e m e n t in o u r live s d e p e n d s o n o u r bitachon^ o u r dveikus ‫־״־‬

c lin g in g t o H im ‫ ״״‬a n d o u r le ve l o f c o m m itm e n t to T o ra h a n d m itzvo sN

M a y w e g r o w in all o f th e s e area s a n d m e r it a h ig h le ve l o f siyatta

d^Shmaya in e v e ry th in g w e d o T

2* See se fe r Maoz LT om fr o m Rav Y itz c h o k K irz n e r z f l ; see Even Shlelmah fro m

th e Gra, tosfa^ah Hkutlm^ p a g e 71, Aggados Bava Kama 92.

3* For m o re on th is to p ic ; see Viina Gaon in Yahe! O hr, Parshas Shladi^ 157b;

Rav Tzadok Hakohen in Pn Yitzchak^ Parshas Emor 3; Michtav MPEliyahu^ v o lu m e
1, Emunah U^bitachon, Hanes V^hatevo, hateva -‫ ■״״״‬hester nlsslm; Ohr Yechezkel,
emunahj page 59; ma^amar ^Hayipale! MePHashem D avar/ as w e ll as p ages 55; 99
and 152; and Einei Yisroe! (R av W e in tra u b z t " l) p a g e 4 0 6 . T h e re is a sefer th a t
deals w ith th is to p ic a t le n g th e n title d Sifse! Chaim (R av F re id la n d e r z f l ) . The
R am bam (Moreh Nevuchim) seem s to have a d iffe r e n t a p p ro a c h o n th is to p ic * It is
discussed by Rav F re id la n d e r a n d o th e rs * As m e n tio n e d , th e s e essays p re s e n t th e
a p p ro a c h o f th e Baal S hem Tov and th e V iina G aon, w h ic h is th e w id e ly a c c e p te d
a p p ro a ch *
166 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE

SCHAR, R EW AR D (PART ONI ^

T h e e le v e n th p rin c ip le o f o u r emunah is th a t H ashem re w a rd s us f o r

e v e ry g o o d d e e d w e d o , a n d p u n is h e s us f o r e v e ry w r o n g d e e d . L e t us

d iscu ss th e to p ic o f schar — H e a v e n ly re w a rd f o r o u r m itz v o s , b ’ezras

Hashem.

A n im p o r ta n t p o in t a b o u t schar in g e n e ra l is th a t it is n o t a b o u t

re s u lts ; it is a b o u t th e e ff o r t . T h e M is h n a h in Avos (e n d o f c h a p te r 5)

te a c h e s , ‘T fu m tza 'a ra agra,” m e a n in g t h a t th e le ve l o f re w a rd e a rn e d

f o r p e r fo r m in g a m itz v a h is d e te rm in e d b y th e d iffic u lty in v o lv e d in

p e r fo r m in g it. Chazal a lso te a c h (se e A vo s d ’Rebbe Nosson 3 :6 ), “ Tov

pa'am echad b ’tza’ar m i’meah pe'am im shelo b ’tza’ar, it is b e tte r t o

p e r fo r m a m itz v a h o n c e w it h d iffic u lty th a n a h u n d re d tim e s w it h o u t

d iffic u lty .” F or e x a m p le , if a p e rs o n le a rn s o n e d a f o f G em ara o r g ive s

fiv e d o lla rs t o tzedakah w h e n i t ’ s d iffic u lt t o d o so, it is th e e q u iv a le n t

o f le a rn in g o n e h u n d re d dapim a n d g iv in g fiv e h u n d re d d o lla rs e asily!

A n o th e r p o in t a b o u t schar is t h a t w e n e e d t o c o n s ta n tly re v ie w a nd

in g ra in in o u rs e lv e s th e v a s t a m o u n t o f schar t h a t w e g e n e ra te f o r each

a n d e v e ry m itz v a h w e d o , f o r e v e ry w o r d o f T o ra h th a t w e le a rn , a nd

f o r e v e ry T o ra h ide a l a n d a tt it u d e t h a t w e e n d e a v o r t o a s p ire t o a nd

live by.

T h is is p a rtic u la rly tr u e re g a rd in g T o ra h s tu d y , as th e M is h n a h te a c h e s
(Pe'ah 1:1), “ V 'talm ud Torah k’neged kulam, T o ra h s tu d y e q u a ls all o th e r
THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE 167

m itz v o s .” Take f o r e x a m p le , R e u ve n , w h o d o e s a h u n d re d d iffe r e n t

m itz v o s in o n e w e e k , in c lu d in g s a v in g lives a n d m a rry in g o f f o rp h a n s .

Y e t if S h im o n s p e n t t h a t tim e le a rn in g o n e p e re k in M aseches Zevachim

(w h ic h d e a ls w it h korbonos, a n d th e r e fo r e p re s e n tly in a p p lic a b le ),

S h im o n ’ s a c c o m p lis h m e n t o u tw e ig h s R e u v e n ’s (se e th e b e g in n in g o f

th e Yerushalmi Peah). F u rth e rm o re , e v e n each w o r d o f T o ra h s tu d y has

th is g r e a t d is tin c tio n o f k’neged kulam — e q u a l t o all m itz v o s to g e th e r

(se e V iln a G aon, Pe'ah ib id .).

T h e re is a n a m a z in g s to ry a b o u t th e C h o fe tz C haim , w h ic h u n d e rs c o re s

th e g r e a t re w a rd e a rn e d f o r p e r fo r m in g m itz v o s . In his tim e , th e

y e s h iv o s in im p o v e ris h e d E u ro p e w e re in d ire fin a n c ia l s tra its . S o m e o n e

a p p ro a c h e d th e C h o fe tz C haim w it h th e f o llo w in g b ra in s to rm . He

o ffe re d t o re lin q u is h his re w a rd f o r p u t tin g o n tefillin o n e day, a n d in

re tu r n , H ash e m s h o u ld c o v e r th e d e fic it o f th e y e s h iv o s ! The C h o fe tz

C haim re s p o n d e d , “ It is im p o s s ib le .” T h e n he e x p la in e d : T h e G em ara
(Kiddushin 3 9 b ) says t h a t schar mitzvah b'hai alma lekah, m e a n in g th a t
th e r e is n o schar f o r d o in g m itz v o s in th is w o r ld ; o n e is re w a rd e d o n ly

in th e N e x t W o rld . T h e re a s o n f o r th is is b e cau se th e s m a lle s t re w a rd in

H ea ve n is in fin ite ly m o re p re c io u s th a n all o f th e v a lu a b le s o f th e e n tire

Olam Hazeh c o m b in e d !

T h e f o llo w in g s to ry g iv e s an e x a m p le o f th is : A w e a lth y b u s in e s s m a n

w a s w a lk in g w it h his so n w h e n th e y p a ssed a c a n d y m a c h in e . “ D ad d y,

can y o u g iv e m e a q u a r te r t o b u y a c a n d y, please?” th e son p le a d e d .

“ S o rry , so n , I o n ly h a ve h u n d re d -d o lla r b ills ,” th e fa t h e r a n s w e re d .
S im ila rly , all th e p le a s u re s th is w o r ld has t o o ffe r p a le in c o m p a ris o n b y

fa r t o th e s m a lle s t a m o u n t o f H e a v e n ly re w a rd f o r o u r m itz v o s .

It is to ld t h a t s h o rtly b e fo r e th e V iln a G aon p assed a w a y , he lifte d

his tzitzis a n d w e p t. He said, “ In th is w o r ld , f o r a f e w p e n n ie s , w e can

168 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

b u y tz itz is a n d am ass a f o r tu n e o f schar, b u t in th e N e x t W o rld it is

im p o s s ib le .”

T h e sefarim say t h a t c o n s id e rin g all th e g o o d H ash e m s h o w e rs

us w it h in th is w o r ld all th e tim e w e d o n ’t re a lly d e s e rv e schar! (See

Chovos Halevavos, shaar bitachon, as w e ll as n u m e ro u s o th e r sefarim .)
F u rth e rm o re , th e sefarim say t h a t re a lly , w e s h o u ld p a y f o r th e g re a t
m e r it a n d p le a s u re in h e r e n t in s e rv in g H ash e m , a n d th a t w e s h o u ld

s triv e t o a tta in a t le a s t s o m e a p p re c ia tio n f o r th e s e ide a ls. H o w

fo r tu n a te a re w e , th a t, in a d d itio n t o all o f th is , w e a re a lso p ro m is e d

a g r e a t re w a rd , fa r g r e a te r th a n all th e p le a s u re s o f th is w o r ld , in th e

W o rld t o C om e!
THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE 169

THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE

SCHAR, R EW A R D (PART TW O)

The e le v e n th ika r o f emunah is schar v’onesh — re w a rd a nd

p u n is h m e n t. F o r e v e ry m itz v a h t h a t w e d o w e g e t a re w a rd , a nd

f o r e v e ry aveirah, a p u n is h m e n t. L e t us d eal w ith an in te re s tin g a n d

im p o r ta n t p o in t a b o u t th is to p ic , b'ezras Hashem.

T h e Kli Yakar in Parshas Bechukosai, b ased o n th e Abarbanel, de als

w it h th e f o llo w in g q u e s tio n : O n e o f th e g re a te s t m o tiv a tio n s f o r m a n y

o b s e rv a n t J e w s in t h e ir shm iras haTorah a n d m itz v o s is p ro b a b ly th e

d e s ire f o r a fa v o ra b le p o r tio n in Olam Haba — th e e te rn a l W o rld t o

C om e . So to o , in d iv id u a ls d e s ire a p la c e in th e olam haneshamos, th e

w o r ld o f so u ls, c a lle d Gan Eden, w h e r e a p e rs o n ’s neshamah h o p e fu lly

re s id e s a ft e r he lea ve s th is w o r ld , b e fo re Olam Haba. (In tr u th , m o s t

p e o p le f ir s t g o t o Gehinnom f o r a s p iritu a l c le a n s in g , a n d th e n h o p e fu lly

g o o n t o Gan Eden.) P e o p le a re re a d y a n d w illin g t o in v e s t m u c h tim e ,

e n e rg y a n d s e lf-s a c rific e t o e a rn a g o o d p o r tio n in Olam Haba, e ve n

m a n y lo n g ye a rs o f to il.

N o w , g iv e n t h e ir s ig n ific a n c e , o n e w o u ld e x p e c t t o fin d Gan Eden a n d

Olam Haba m e n tio n e d th r o u g h o u t Chumash a n d Nach m a n y tim e s . The

p u z z lin g tr u t h , th o u g h , is t h a t th e r e is n o t a s in g le c le a r m e n tio n o f

it in th e e n tire Torah Shebichsav, th e W r itte n T o ra h ! This b e g s f o r an

e x p la n a tio n . F u rth e rm o re , e v e n w h e n th e T o ra h does m e n tio n schar,

it a lw a y s re fe rs t o e a rth ly a n d p h y s ic a l schar in Olam Hazeh, g iv in g th e

170 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

fa ls e im p re s s io n t h a t th is is th e o n ly c o m p e n s a tio n a n d re w a rd f o r

m itz v o s . W h y is th is so?

Am ong m a n y o th e r a p p ro a c h e s , th e Kli Yakar (ib id .) c ite s th e

A barbanel, w h o , b a sed o n th e R a m b a m , w r ite s as fo llo w s : F irst o f all, in
g e n e ra l, th e re is n o s c h o r f o r m itz v o s in Olam Hazeh. This p o in t is m a d e

b y th e G e m a ra in Kiddushin (3 9 b ). If so, w h a t a b o u t all th e s e e m in g

re w a rd s p ro m is e d in th e T o ra h f o r d o in g m itz v o s ? T h e a n s w e r is th a t

th e s e are n o t rewards p e r se; ra th e r, th e y a re ju s t th e n e ce ssa ry m e a n s

n e e d e d t o c o n tin u e s e rv in g H ash e m p ro p e rly . If a p e rs o n c o m m its

h im s e lf t o s e rv in g H ash e m fa ith fu lly , H ashem w ill s h o w e r h im w ith

g o o d in th is w o r ld , so t h a t he w ill h a ve th e p e ace o f m in d a n d th e
p h y s ic a l m e a n s t o c o n tin u e s e rv in g H im .

W e can a d d a s tr ik in g e x a m p le o f th is . The Meshech Chochmah in

Parshas Beshatach w r ite s t h a t H ash e m g a ve th e J e w s th e mann e ve n

b e fo re th e y re c e iv e d th e T o ra h . T h is w a s t o s h o w th a t e ve n if a p e rs o n

has n o t y e t a tta in e d a h ig h le v e l o f c o m m itm e n t t o T o ra h s tu d y ( n o r

t o p ra c tic in g w h a t he le a rn s ) a n d he o n ly u n d e rta k e s t o a c c e p t th e
01 haTorah, th e y o k e o f th e T o ra h , u p o n h im s e lf, he w ill a lre a d y m e r it
re c e iv in g his liv e lih o o d in s u p e rn a tu ra l fa s h io n !

N o w , w h y a re Olam Haba a n d Can Eden — th e real schar f o r m itz v o s

— n o t m e n tio n e d in th e Torah Shebichsav? T h e a n s w e r is b e ca u se if

th e y w e re m e n tio n e d it w o u ld cause a p e rs o n t o se rve H ashem shelo

lishmah, n o t f o r H a s h e m ’s sake. A p e rs o n w o u ld d o m itz v o s t o e a rn Gan

Eden a n d Olam Haba, a n d n o t f o r th e r ig h t re a so n s, as w e w ill e x p la in
b ’ezras Hashem.

If it w o u ld h a ve b e e n w r it t e n e x p lic itly , it w o u ld im p ly th a t th is is th e

re a s o n a n d th e id e a l m o tiv a tio n t o d o th e m itz v o s . T h e re fo re , th e T o ra h

w r ite s : Do th e m itz v o s b e ca u se H ash e m c o m m a n d e d y o u — p e rio d .

THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE 171

This m a k e s it c le a r t h a t th e r ig h t re a s o n t o d o m itz v o s is n o t f o r Olam

Haba.

(T h e re a re v a rio u s re a s o n s g iv e n f o r d o in g m itz v o s — w h e th e r it be

b e ca u se H ash e m c o m m a n d e d us t o a n d He is th e boss; o r b e ca u se th e y
p e r fe c t o u r c h a ra c te r; o r t o th in k a b o u t H ashem a n d g iv e H im th a n k s

f o r His g o o d n e s s — b u t th is is b e y o n d th e sco p e o f th is essay.)

T h e Kli Yakar a n d th e C hovos Halevovos (Shaar Habitachon 4 ) g iv e

m a n y o th e r a p p ro a c h e s t o a n s w e r w h y Gan Eden a n d Olam Haba are

n o t m e n tio n e d in th e T o ra h . L e t us m e n tio n so m e o f th e m b rie fly : O ne

a p p ro a c h is t h a t it is t o o h a rd f o r us t o re la te t o such schar. Since w e

live w it h in a p h y s ic a l fr a m e w o r k , w e c a n n o t fa th o m s p iritu a l re w a rd .

A n o th e r a p p ro a c h is t h a t th e T o ra h o n ly te lls us a b o u t u n u s u a l

re w a rd s t h a t o u r a c tio n s tr ig g e r , such as ra in fa ll w h ic h s ta rts w h e n w e

d o m itz v o s a n d s to p s w h e n th e J e w s sin, as o p p o s e d t o th e n a tu ra l,

n o rm a l p ro c e s s o f th e neshamah a c q u irin g e te r n ity a n d th e e n jo y m e n t

o f c le a v in g t o H a sh e m .

A n o th e r a n s w e r is t h a t fr o m th e f a c t th a t th e T o ra h w r ite s th a t f o r

c e rta in aveiros th e neshamah g e ts s e v e re d fr o m H ashem f o r e te rn ity ,

w e can in f e r t h a t o th e r w is e th e neshamah is a lw a y s a tta c h e d t o H ashem

a n d e n jo y in g such a s ta te e te rn a lly . T h e T o ra h th e r e fo r e d o e s n o t n e e d

t o m e n tio n it e x p lic itly . S im ila rly , o th e rs a n s w e r th a t th e re are c le a r

e n o u g h a llu s io n s t o th e schar o f Olam Haba a n d Can Eden in th e W r itte n

T o ra h , f o r o n e t o re a liz e it o n his o w n .

A n o th e r a n s w e r g iv e n is t h a t th e re a s o n th e T o ra h w r ite s a b o u t schar

is f o r p e o p le t o re c o g n iz e th e hashgachah pratis o f H ash e m in o u r

w o r ld . T h is can o n ly be le a rn e d fr o m schar in th is w o r ld .
172 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

A n o th e r a n s w e r g iv e n is t h a t th e T o ra h is a d d re s s in g th e fe e lin g s

o f p e o p le w h o h a ve a p u ll to w a r d s avodah zarah, as w a s c o m m o n

a m o n g s t th e g e n e ra tio n o f th o s e w h o re c e iv e d th e T o ra h ’ . T h e re

w e re th o s e w h o e rre d in th in k in g t h a t id o la try , as o p p o s e d t o T o ra h

o b s e rv a n c e , g a v e th e m a g o o d Olam Hazeh, chas ve’shalom. T h e T o ra h

th e r e fo r e m e n tio n s th e schar re c e iv e d in th is w o r ld , t o a ssu re th e m

t h a t b y a d h e rin g t o th e T o ra h , th e y w ill ha ve th e ir Olam Hazeh n e e d s

a m p ly ta k e n ca re o f.

A n o th e r a n s w e r g iv e n is t h a t th e T o ra h g u a ra n te e s th a t a p e rs o n

w h o k e e p s th e T o ra h a n d m itz v o s w ill h a ve dveikus w it h th e Shechinah,

th e D iv in e P re se nce , in Olam Hazeh. In o th e r w o rd s , he w ill e x p e rie n c e

clo s e n e s s w it h H a sh e m t h a t is e n jo y a b le a n d can be f e lt e ve n in th is

w o r ld . So to o , o th e r fo r m s o f s p iritu a l fu lfillm e n t re c e iv e d in th is w o r ld
a re m e n tio n e d in th e T o ra h . T h a t b e in g so, w e can in fe r th a t, all th e

m o re so, w ill a p e rs o n re c e iv e v a s t re w a rd s a ft e r his neshamah lea ve s

his b o d y .

T h e f ir s t a n s w e r w e b r o u g h t w a s t h a t th e T o ra h d o e s n o t te ll us a b o u t
Olam Haba so t h a t w e s h o u ld s e rv e H ash em lishmah, f o r H a s h e m ’s sake
a lo n e . L e t us a d d a p o in t: W e s h o u ld k e e p in m in d th a t Chazal te a c h

1. S o t o o w a s t h e c a s e in t h e f o l l o w i n g g e n e r a t io n s , u n t il t h e y e t z e r h a r a o f
i d o la t r y w a s t a m e d in t h e b e g in n in g o f t h e p e r io d o f B a y is S h e in i. R a v M o s h e

S h a p ir o c o m m e n t e d t h a t in o u r t im e s , t h e d r iv e f o r avodah zarah is f o r m a n

t o w o r s h ip h im s e lf , c lim b in g t h e la d d e r o f p o w e r a n d s u c c e s s , w h ic h c a n

t u r n in t o a d r iv e f o r a r r o g a n c e a n d h e d o n is t ic f u l f i l l m e n t o f h is d e s ir e s . T h is

m a k e s h im in t o t h e c e n t e r o f h is u n iv e r s e a n d t h e s o c a lle d “ m a s t e r ” o f h is

o w n d e s t in y . (S e e C h o v o s H a le v a v o s , w h o w r it e s t h a t p e o p le c a n b e c o m e s o

m is g u id e d t h a t t h e y m a k e t h e i r s t o m a c h s t h e i r g o d , t h e ir T o r a h t h e i r c lo t h in g ,

a n d t h e i r h o m e s t h e i r e t h ic s ! )
THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE 173

(Sotah 47a) that a person should constantly keep the Torah and mitzvos
even shelo lishmah, because this leads to serving Hashem lishmah.
Often, we need to — and we should — motivate ourselves shelo
lishmah, with less than ideal motives, or even for negative reasons - like
gaining honor and respect - because these incentives will lead us to
serve Hashem lishmah in the long run. If we are honest with ourselves
in this respect, it can lead to a much greater level of Torah and mitzvos!

The truth is that the Torah Sheb’al Peh, the Oral Torah, the holy seforim
and our mesorah, are full of discussions about the beautiful schar the
neshamah reaps in Can Eden and Olam Haba, and we should work on
thinking about it all the time. Any time we enjoy ourselves, it would be
a good idea to use it as an allegory for Olam Haba — to think about the
fact that in Olam Haba it will be so much better than this earthly pleasure
(see Orchos Tzaddikim, Sha'ar Simchah). At the same time, let us work
to continuously increase our level of Fsheim Shamyaim, to perform
Hashem’s Will because He commanded us to do so, and because it is
ernes, truth, and the correct way to live. By doing so, b’ezras Hashem,
we will merit a beautiful portion in Olam Haba.
174 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

T H E E L E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E

THE BENEFITS OF C H A L L E N i> l

The eleventh principle is that Hashem rewards us and punishes us

according to our deeds. The basic reason why Hashem gives painful
punishments is because for most individuals it is the most effective
motivator; we will do anything to avoid suffering and pain. However
it is plausible to assume that there are also other benefits accrued by
experiencing pain.

We all know the saying, “ No pain, no gain.” In C hazaFs words (A v o s

end of perek 5), “ L'fum tza’ra agra, According to the exertion is the
reward.” Let us analyze this statement, b’ezras H a s h e m .

What is the difference between the following two scenarios? Imagine

climbing up ten flights of stairs on a hot, sweltering day to meet a close
friend. The pain involved is worth it, and we may even appreciate it,
considering our great pleasure in meeting our friend. Or, for example,
think about the pain and exertion needed to develop a skill, which may
require hard, tedious practice and study. Here, too, we view the pain as
worthwhile. Perhaps we even enjoy the effort involved. On the other
hand, imagine if someone comes over to you and twists your arm for
a few painful, agonizing minutes — and then hands you a thousand-
dollar check and leaves. At best, it would be a good compensation,
but you certainly would not appreciate — and all the more so enjoy
- the pain you feel. Why is this pain different than the pain felt when
THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE 175

climbing steps to visit your friend, or the exertion invested in practicing

your desired skill?

Perhaps the answer is as follows: How much do we view the pain as

the sole means towards reaching our goal? Perhaps we feel that there
really was a pain-free alternative. In the case of climbing the steps, we
knew that it could not be avoided. Similarly, when one undergoes a
painful medical procedure, chas v'shalom, he realizes that this is the
only way to be healed and live comfortably once again. However, in the
case of the arm twisting, we think, “ That was ridiculous! He didn’t need
to twist my arm to give me all that money!”

The more we can internalize the great axiom of IJum tza'ara agra,
the more we will appreciate it. The simple meaning is that the greater
the challenge in serving Hashem, the greater Hashem’s reward will
be. L’fum tza'ra agra can also be explained as alluding to the immense
benefits which can be reaped from challenges and suffering in general.
It is also important to realize that Hashem designed the nature of a
person to appreciate hard work and travail for an ideal.

Let us make the following observation: If a person undertakes a

project and has to work very hard, overcoming challenges along the
way to bring it to fruition, he can expect that this particular project
will make a big impact on him. Accomplishment through challenge and
adversity breeds idealism, fortitude, ambition and courage. His goal
becomes a part of him! Thus, one who perseveres for a positive ideal
and grows through the challenge — this result alone can be considered
a great agra, reward. Perhaps this can be an alternative interpretation
of the aforementioned words of the Mishnah, which states that
according to the pain will be the agra, reward.
176 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

In a certain sense it may be easier to appreciate the suffering of

our world than to appreciate the suffering meted out in Cehinom and
when the world reaches eternity. This is because we can relate and
understand some of the benefits in this world as we experience them,
as taught by Chaza! and the sifrei mussar. Suffering helps us not to get
swept up in materialism and helps humble us. It helps us experience
the pleasure of davening to Hashem. It enables us to boost our emunah
and bitachon, making us feel secure in Hashem’s Hands. These are some
of the benefits which we can experience and relate to (See Rabbeinu
Yonah on Mishlei 3:11-12, 26).

The suffering of the neshamah in Gehinnom, and beyond, which

cleanses it and purifies it, is much harder for us to appreciate. We need
to approach it with emunah to gain the right clarity. The more we learn
and review the pertinent Chazal, the more we will gain intellectual
awareness and even emotional appreciation for it’.

It’s a great fundamental of our Torah that suffering purifies a person.

That is how Hashem fashioned our existence. We may not understand
this, but this is the absolute truth and it’s a fact of life. So much so, that
the Gemara in Brachos (5a) teaches that the greatest gifts — Torah,
Olam Haba and Eretz Yisrael — can only be acquired through suffering^

1. Certainly the reverse is also true, i.e., that people accept that there is a
punishment for misdeeds in this world, but are troubled by the fact that it is
common enough to witness evil people enjoying life while righteous people
suffer. This is to such an extent, that this confusing phenomena can be
considered the greatest test to a person’s emunah!
2. See Haggadah M a'aseh Nissim — "m i’tchilah ovdei avodah zarah hayu
a vose in u.”
THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE 177

Let US suggest some of the benefits received by the knowledge of the

future suffering of the neshamah and of yissurim, pain and suffering, in
general. First, the fear of the punishment in Gehinom is perhaps the
most powerful deterrent from sin in this world.

Second, Rav Elya Weintraub, zt” l, said that suffering teaches a person
the severity of a sin. It gives us the awareness that the effects of aveiros
are akin to the great suffering experienced because of the punishment.

Third, suffering for the sake of a cause can be a source of sublime and
spiritual pleasure that a person could actually experience here in this
world. (This is comprised of myriad different levels, and a person on a
high level of self-improvement and spirituality will find this state to be
much more accessible than a person of lesser virtue). Perhaps it can be
explained that it is a way to express love for the one we are suffering
for. We can add to this that it enhances, deepens and solidifies our
relationship with the one we are suffering for, merely because we are
in pain on their behalf (see Mesitas Yesharim 19). I heard of a certain
tzaddekes who was suffering from a serious illness. The doctors had
to perform an extremely painful procedure on her. Afterwards they
expressed their doubts about the procedure’s success. She encouraged
them to try again, as she had experienced a tremendously deep and
close feeling of Hashem’s presence, especially during the intense pain
of the procedure!

The Steipler, in the sefer Chayei Olam (Parshas Mikeitz), teaches us an

amazing thing. When we suffer for a mitzvah or learn Torah when it’s
difficult, we save ourselves from an untold amount of suffering in the
Next World. Every person endures his portion of suffering; fortunate
is the one who suffers through toiling for the sake of ruchniyus,
spirituality.
178 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

The Chofetz Chaim told of a Jew who worked for a decent poritz,
landowner, in the Europe of old. The poritz had to travel somewhere
and asked someone else to fill in for him. The replacement boss was
exceedingly nasty and beat the poor Jew often. When the poritz
returned and heard what happened, he was enraged. He ordered the
wicked man to pay the Jew a large sum of money for each lash given.
The Jew was quite happy but couldn’t restrain himself from thinking,
“ What a shame! If only I would have gotten more beatings, I would be
so much wealthier!’’ So too, says the Chofetz Chaim, when we come to
the World of Truth at the end of our lives; we will bemoan the fact that
we did not experience more pain and suffering in this world.

These thoughts will, b 'e z ra s Hashem, help us internalize the eleventh

Ani M a 'a m in , that there is schar v’onesh. On one hand, there is great
reward and pleasure for serving Hashem faithfully. Yet on the other
hand, there is great suffering received because of aveiros, which serves
to purify and cleanse us, making us worthy of eternal pleasure.

M ay we merit seeing Hashem’s great love for us in everything that

happens to us in life, and internalizing the maximum level of emunah
chushis, palpable faith, recognizing that every bit of pain and suffering
is for our ultimate benefit.
THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE 179

T H E E L E V E N T H P R IN C IP L E

CONSEQUENCES

A famous technique used by speakers to chastise their listeners is

to make a disclaimer that they are really addressing themselves, but
others are free to listen in as well. Therefore, in the following essay I
take the liberty to use this “ speaker’s license.’’

On the one hand, I don’t want to hurt you with painful information.
Yet, on the other hand, if I don’t share this knowledge with you, I will
be guilty of withholding a great deal of success and pleasure from you,
so it is with a somewhat heavy heart that I begin.

One of the fundamentals of our emunah is that there is reward

and punishment. Let us focus now on the topic of punishment. The
Vilna Gaon once commented, “ Know and understand that there is a
punishment for every single aveirah, for every single person. Even a
great heretic and the most wicked person will be punished for every
last mayim achronim [the obligatory hand washing after a bread meal
before birkas hamazon] that they neglected!’’ (H a g a o n volume 2,
page 560)

Let us bring the penetrating words of Rav Avigdor Miller zt” l, on

this matter (Awake My Glory, page 309): He writes that “ Most of us
are unaware of the symbolic significance of pain. Rabbeinu Saadiah
Gaon writes: The Creator causes us to feel these forms of pain in order
that they serve as a likeness of that which was said of the Great Heat
180 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

(Gehinnom), ‘Behold, there comes a day that burns like a furnace‫׳‬

(Malachi 3:19), (Emunos V'Dei'os IV, 2). This teaches that pain must
be utilized to acquire an awareness of Gehinnom. Indeed, pain serves
as an effective aid in self-preservation, and it is a warning signal that
spurs man and beast to take action for their health and safety. But as
a mashal, symbolically, pain is intended by the Creator as a symbol of
great significance, which can bring man to the most urgent form of
self-preservation, which is his success in the afterlife.

“ Therefore, it is valuable upon experiencing pain, or when learning of

the experience of others, to utilize it as a concrete and tangible symbol
of Gehinnom. Rav Yerucham Levovitz, zt‫ ״‬l, stated: ‘Because so many
forgot the fact of Gehinnom in the afterlife, the Creator brought the
Gehinnom into this life by means of the Nazis, yemach shemam.

Under this heading we learned, ‘Fire is one-sixtieth of Gehinnom'

(Brachos 57b). What is called “ the Holocaust” (and is so blindly
misinterpreted by both the atheists and various other segments of
Jews, as of 1980) must be studied as a symbol of Gehinnom. When the
Eastern European young generation cast away the Torah and threw
themselves into the arms of the Zionist-Marxist idolatry, and when the
masses turned away from the Torah leaders and gave the authority to
the enemies of the Torah, the fires of Gehinnom came forth into this life
to remind them and us that retribution is inevitable: ‘Behold the day
comes that burns like a furnace.‫ ׳‬If, as Rabbeinu Saadiah Gaon declares
(and as the statement in Brachos 57b implies), the pain of a burn must
remind one of the Great Heat of Gehinnom, what less could be said of
the fierce fires of the crematoria which burned day and night in the
Gehinnom camps of the Germans?”
THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE 181

The punishment for aveiros is very real and painful, but swallowing
the bitter pill of knowledge of this matter is the surest way to spur us
to avoid doing aveiros and to maximize our performance of mitzvos.
This will enable us to create a sweet and pleasure filled existence for
ourselves. It's far better to know the reality of punishment for sin and
have the great benefit of being compelled to live productive lives, than
to find out when it’s too late. Obviously, everyone needs to know how
much they can dwell on this topic in a beneficial way, but no one will
gain by ignoring it.

Rav Yisroel Salanter in Ohr Yisrael points out various fundamentals

regarding Divine punishment and is known to have elaborated and
spoken often about yiras onesh, fear of punishment. Let us quote an
important point that he mentions (see letters 6, 8). One of the great
benefits of punishment is that it is a great deterrent from aveiros.
Therefore, it must be thatthe pain and suffering received as punishment
for an aveirah is significantly more than the pain and hardship that one
is required to endure to avoid doing the aveirah.

For example, if for withholding taxes of $100,000 a person would

be fined $50,000 dollars, this would not stop him from breaking the
law. The penalty would need to be $150,000 to stop him. Similarly, a
person is required to lose his job and livelihood and even give up all of
his possessions rather than to speak even one sentence of lashon hara.
It follows that the pain and suffering for transgressing is far more than
the aggravation of losing a job and being reduced to poverty. This idea
helps us visualize the price tag of an aveirah, instead of just having a
vague notion of the suffering of Cehinnom. Such thoughts will certainly
prevent us from falling to sin.
182 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Rav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, in Orchos Yosher (Yiras Cheit) cites a

Gemara that mentions yiras cheit in addition to yiras Shamayim, fear
of Heaven. He asks: What is the meaning of yiras cheit, and how is it
different from yiras Shamayim in general? Furthermore, we find that
in many places Chazal greatly praise one who is a yarei chait, one who
fears sin. What is the uniqueness of this quality?

Rav Chaim goes on to explain, based on the sefarim hakedoshim, that

we need to realize that an aveirah and its onesh, its punishment, are not
two independent things; rather, they are one and the same. Hashem
warned us against doing certain things and He created their nature -
they are like deadly poison for the body and nefesh. They destroy and
cause great damage.

That is why even an unintentional sinner needs atonement because,

bottom line, he did an act which naturally consumes like fire and is
poisonous. It’s a great chessed of Hashem that by bringing a korban
one’s aveirah is erased. Even an ones, one who is not culpable for his
action (for example he was forced to do something against his will),
gets timtum halev — spiritual impurity, when he transgresses. We need
to realize that an aveirah is inherently like fire and a poisonous snake.
In fact, the Steipler Gaon writes in Chayei Olam (2:8) that chillul Shabbos
is like a disease, and were a person to realize this, he would run from
even a doubt of chillul Shabbos.

This is the quality of yiras cheit, to have an emunah chushis, a palpable

faith, that a sin is an inherent poison and a destructive fire. Having y/ras
cheit is a sign of a great level of emunah chushis and yiras Shamayim.
Without yiras cheit a person cannot succeed in his Torah study, and as
a result, grows distant from Hashem. Rav Chaim concludes with the
reassurance that the more a person attempts to be careful and fearful
THE ELEVENTH PRINCIPLE 183

of sin, the more he will have special Divine assistance to be safe from
the dangers of sin.

The Torah (Mishlei 3:1112‫ )־‬compares Hashem’s punishments to a

loving father, who chastises his son for his misbehavior. As Jews we
all have emunah sh e le im a h , complete faith, that just like everything
Hashem does is for our benefit, so too. Divine punishment is also in our
best interests.

Let us end with a small anecdote: A child darted into the street. A
passing car screeched to a halt, barely avoiding running over the child.
The driver and the passersby started yelling at the child. “ What’s
wrong with you? Be carefu l...!’’ The child, frightened and shaken up,
started running away from the scene. One of the people there chased
after him, running a few blocks. Finally, when catching up with him, he
grabbed him slapped him, and gave him a stern rebuke — that person
was his father! Only when he was sure that his son realized the severity
of the matter did he then hug him reassuringly, speaking soothingly.
184 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE TWELFTH PRINCIPLE

AWAITING MOS N ^\v^^ S ARRIVAL

The twelfth principle of emunah is to believe in the coming of

moshiach. This means to believe that Hashem will send us a great king
and leader who will be an emissary of Hashem and take the Jews out of
the long and bitter galus in which they are presently languishing. This
will herald a glorious era, when everyone will be able to experience
the true glory of Hashem, and to serve Him without any hindrances, in
complete peacefulness and serenity.

Practically speaking, all are of the opinion that a person is obligated

to constantly look forward to, and to wish for, the immediate arrival of
moshiach. This is a central and very important Torah ideal. The Gemara
in Shabbos (31a) includes in the few and fundamental questions that
will be asked on the great day of judgment, “ Did you yearn for the
salvation [i.e. the ultimate redemption]?” In fact, according to the
Smak [Sefer Ha'Smak Mi'tzurich mitzvah 1] it is a mitzvas aseh, a positive
commandment. It can be said that constant yearning for moshiach, is
and always was, a hallmark quality of the Jewish Nation. Jews always
awaited moshiach's possible, immediate arrival in a very palpable and
tangible way.

That being clarified, let us continue, be'ezras Hashem, with the primary
topic of this essay. We will discuss and define the minimal obligation
of awaiting the arrival of moshiach so to not be guilty of kefira - i.e..
T'" 'UELFTH PRINCIPLE 185

heresy in this ikar of emunah. Is a person obligated to believe in and

expect the possible, immediate arrival of moshiach even during times
when, according to Chazal's criteria, it is not opportune or possible for
him to come? Is it enough that a person does not give up on moshiach’s
coming, or does he actually need to “ await” him on a constant basis?

The Rambam in Yad Hachazaka (Melachim 11:1) adds an additional

point to this principle. He writes that besides for the obligation to
believe that moshiach will come, we must also await the arrival of
moshiach. One who does not fulfill either of these two obligations, is
guilty of heresy, for he has denied the principle of belief in the coming
of moshiach‘'.

The Chofetz Chaim (ma'amar Tzipisa L'yeshua - chapter 2) explains

that when the Rambam adds that someone who does not await the
arrival of moshiach is also a heretic, it refers to a person who believes
that Hashem said (in the Torah) that moshiach will come, but he has
nevertheless given up on him coming‫״‬. For example, he thinks that he
already came’ or that we are so unworthy that he cannot come (these
examples are the addition of this writer).

According to this explanation, anyone who believes that a) moshiach

will come one day, and b) did not give up on him coming at some point in
the future, is a believer in the principle of emunah regarding moshiach.

There is a different approach to explain the words of the Rambam,

which is quoted in the name of the Brisker Rav - Rav Yitzchok le v
Soloveichik zt” P. The approach is that the Rambam is adding on that

1. See the letter of Rav Weintraub zt” f footnote 6.

2. Rav Dovid Soloveichik shlita in Shiurai Rabbeinu Meshuiam Dovid Haleivi
Ai Hatorah (volume 2 Parshas Korach, page 258); Rav Moshe Mordechai
186 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

a person must believe that moshiach can come each and every day,
and every second of the day. Therefore, a person must await his arrival
every day and every second of the day [he is awaiting him constantly
because he believes that he can always come]. According to the Brisker
Rav, if a person decides that moshiach cannot come at any given time,
and therefore he does not await him at that time, then, sadly, that
person is guilty of heresy (kfira) in the belief of the coming of moshiach.

Rav Dovid Soloveichik and Rav Moshe Mordechai Shulzinger^ add on

an additional point in the name of the Brisker Rav. The Rav was once
asked how we can be obligated to await the arrival of moshiach each
and every day, and to believe that he can always come, in light of the
fact that the Gemara and Chazal seem to say otherwise. The Gemara
(Eiruvin 43b) and Midrash (Pesiktah Rabbasi 36) both say that moshiach
will not come on Shabbos, because his coming must be preceded by the
coming of Eliyahu Hanavi, either a day before (Gemara, ibid.) or three
days before (Pesiktah, ibid.). The Brisker Rav replied that, nonetheless,
our emunah (faith) is as it says in the siddur, “ Achaka 10 b’chol yom
sheyavo” (in the text of the Ani Maamins), meaning that we await his
possible, imminent arrival, each and every day, and Eliyahu Hanavi will
resolve the question from the Gemara and Midrash. According to this.

Shulzinger zt” i in his Toras Zev (page 96, 1981 edition), M ishm ar Haleivi,
Zevachim, siman 174, first edition), Chagigah, siman 50, Zevachim Tinyana -
at the end of the sefer, Shabbos, Eiruvin, page 183, Shiurei Mishm ar Haleivi,
Bechoros, Erchin - after Masechta Erchin, and in other seforim of his as well;
Matnas Chaim, m a'am arim (volume 1, page 219); Koveitz Tzohar, m a 'a m a rfro m
Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapiro (volume 7, page 499).
3. Ibid. In a number of the sources which quote this approach of the Brisker
Rav, only the first part is quoted, and not this additional point.
T'" 'UELFTH PRINCIPLE 187

we are obligated to believe in and await moshiach’s coming, even on

Shabbos, and even before the arrival of Eliyahu Hanavi, and one who
does not believe in this is guilty of heresy in the principle of moshiach.

Let us emphasize, thatthis is only accordingto this specific approach in

understanding the Rambam. However, according to the Chofetz Chaim
(ibid.) and authorities who understood the Brisker Rav differently, this
would not be the case. Furthermore, Rav Elyashiv is quoted as having
said (Shaalos U'tshuvos Yashiv Moshe page 91) that the Brisker Rav’s
approach is the opinion of the Rambam, and it is dependent on the
Rambam's own opinion in a different place (Melachim 12:2), that no one
really knows the order of events of the arrival of moshiach, because
there are contradictions in Chazal regarding this matter. Furthermore,
the Gemara in Eiruvin (43b), seems not to be in accordance with the
Brisker Rav’s approach in explaining the Rambam. Additionally, other
Rishonim argue, and say that we do know the exact order of events
of the arrival of moshiach and that he cannot come before Eliyahu
Hanavi. So if someone knows what is stated in the Gemara in Eiruvin,
but does not know the Rambam's opinion, he cannot be considered a
heretic. Also, since other Rishonim dispute the Rambam, one cannot be
considered a heretic for not believing according to the opinion of the
Rambam.

Furthermore, Rav Yisroel Elya Weintraub zt"l had a different approach

in explaining the Rambam (similar, if not the same, as the previously
mentioned approach of the Chofetz Chaim), which we will refer to
later. He was of the opinion that the Brisker Rav meant something
different than the way we presented it before.

Regarding the difficulty in resolving what the Brisker Rav said with the
Gemara in Eiruvin and the Midrash, which state that Moshiach will not
188 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

come on Shabbos, Rav Dovid Soloveichik quotes the following (ibid.)

approach. In the Gemara (Sanhedrin 98a) and various seforim the
following point is made. There are two possible times that moshiach
can be expected to come. One is called b'ito - the predetermined time;
the second is called achishena - “ rushed,” so to speak; in other words,
before his predetermined time. Based on this, it can be said that the
Gemara which states that moshiach must be preceded by Eliyahu and
that he cannot come on Shabbos, is only referring to the time of b'ito
- moshiach's predestined time. On the other hand, our emunah that
moshiach can always come, and our obligation to await him at all times
(according to the Brisker Rav’s explanation of the Rambam) pertains
to achishena - the early arrival of moshiach. It is the “ hurried” arrival of
moshiach which we can say does not need to conform to the regular
order of events, i.e., Eliyahu coming first etc. [See the Kreisi U’Pleisi,
siman 110, at the end of the kuntres Beis Hasafek].

It has been suggested that the explanation of the Rambam may

depend on whether the usage of the word achaka means immediate
expectancy of moshiach's arrival, or if it means that we hope for and
want moshiach to come as soon as possible. According to the first
definition, it is plausible to say that the Rambam is explaining the
intellectual belief in when to expect moshiach - which is at all times,
because immediate expectancy means even momentarily. However, if
we define achaka as to hope, to long, and to look forward to the arrival
of moshiach, then this would not imply hoping for his immediate arrival
exclusively; it could just as well mean to hope and look forward to his
future arrival, be it today or in a year from now (which would fit well
with the Gemara that says that moshiach will not come on Shabbos or
before Eliyahu Hanavi). This would imply that there are times when he
cannot come, yet we long for him even then. [In fact, Rav Shulzinger
T'" 'UELFTH PRINCIPLE 189

assumes that the principle of faith to believe in moshiach does not

obligate us to want moshiach to come soon. It simply means to
await him and expect that he may possibly come immediately; that is
sufficient (he would surely agree that wanting moshiach to come soon
is an important Torah ideal and even a mitzvah, it is just not part of the
principle of faith)].

Rav Goldwasser shlita, in his sefer Tapuchai Zahav (Eiruvin 43b),

writes, that according to the Brisker Rav as brought by Rav Shulzinger,
we are obligated to believe in and await moshiach’s arrival, even if
Eliyahu Hanavi did not come yet. Whereas according to Rav Yisroel Elya
Weintraub, as long as Eliyahu Hanavi did not come the day before, we
do not need to believe in and await moshiach's immediate arrival.

Rav Goldwasser writes that according to the Brisker Rav, the ani
maamin is saying that we await moshiach's possible, immediate arrival
each and every day. Whereas according to Rav Weintraub, we read it
with an alternate understanding, i.e., that each day we await the arrival
of moshiach, whenever it will be. [The ani maamin can be read in two
ways - according to Rav Weintraub it reads achaka 10 b'chol yom - I
wait for him daily, sheyavo ‫ ־‬that he should come whenever it may be.)

Rav Goldwasser concludes that since this is a matter of faith (and

heresy), we must be stringent and fulfill all the viable approaches.
Based on this essay, that would mean to expect and await the arrival
of moshiach at all times, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week,
even if Eliyahu Hanavi has not yet come! However, Rav Shulzinger
(ibid.) explains that this does not mean that we should sit and wait and
ignore our busy schedules - it means that it is always in the back of
our minds. If we are asked about it, we should be able to immediately
190 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

reply that we believe and are awaiting the possible, immediate arrival
of moshiach.

This would also include, longing and looking forward to, the future
arrival of moshiach, whenever it will be ‫י־‬.

Let us add an important point, that everyone agrees that it is surely a

great Torah ideal and possibly a mitzvah as well (see S'mak in his Sefer
Hamitzvos ibid.), to want and to daven for moshiach to come as soon as
possible. This intensifies our commitment to increasing kvod Shamayim,
and it expresses our awareness that revealing kvod Shamayim is the
true purpose of the world and of our lives. This is because the main
reason we await moshiach is so that the glory of Hashem should be
recognized in its true form by all.

May Hashem finally grant the long awaited arrival of moshiach,

speedily in our time’.

4. The simple meaning of mechakeh is “ await” ; it is only according to Rav

Shulzinger’s explanation of the Brisker Rav that the fulfillment of the principle
means to believe that moshiach can always come, and therefore to constantly
await and expect his possible, immediate arrival.
T'" 'UELFTH PRINCIPLE 191

THE TWELFTH PRINCIPLE

1 \ \v \ \ \ \ TING ,AND DESIRING
^ ^ aP IA O F M O S H IA C H

The mashgiach of the Lakewood Yeshiva, Rav Matisyohu Salomon

shlita', brought the following idea in the name of the Brisker Rav,
Rav Yitzchok Zev Soloveichik zt’T. The Brisker Rav asked, what is the
reason that the author of the ani maamins words the twelfth principle
- that of belief in moshiach's arrival - in a question and answer format,
something that he did not do by all the other ikrim? The wording is, “ I
believe... in the upcoming arrival of moshiach - and even though he
tarries? Still in all, I await his arrival... ‫ ׳׳‬Why is this principle different
than all the others?^

The Brisker Rav answered as follows: The Rambam, in his sefer Yad
Hachazaka (Hilchos Melochim 11:1) writes an amazing chiddush - a novel
ruling. He writes that it is not enough to just believe in the ultimate
arrival of moshiach, and in the special period of yemos ha'moshiach [the
days of moshiach]. Rather, one is also obligated to constantly await the
possible, imminent arrival of moshiach. Both aspects are required not
to be guilty of heresy in the fundamental belief in moshiach.

1. In Matnas Chaim, Ma'amarim, volume 1, page 219, and in the sefer With Hearts
Full of Love page 2 7 7 .
2. The simple explanation, it would seem , is that it is not a question at all. It is an
affirmation that w e will wait for Moshiach even though it may take a long time.
192 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF F A I T H

Based on this, the Brisker Rav explained the text of the cm; maamin.
It is not meant to be a question and an answer about the belief in
moshiach at all. The intention of the author was to present these
two aspects of the obligatory belief. The first aspect is the belief that
moshiach will come, and the second is that we must constantly await
his possible, imminent arrival. This was stated in the second part of the
ani maamin - that even though he tarries, I await him every day. [We
can add that according to this approach, the ani maamin did not need
to be worded in what seems to be a question and answer format, but
the author simply chose to word it this way. However, his intention
was as explained above].

The Brisker Rav added that truthfully, we need to await the possible,
imminent arrival of moshiach, not just every single day, but each and
every second of the day too! Many people quote the Brisker Rav as
saying that this additional point is based on the wording in the blessing
of Shemonah Esrei - es tzemach Dov/d, where we say, “ ki lishuascha
kivinu kol hayom” - we hope that Hashem will send us the salvation
- i.e., moshiach, the entire day. Rav Moshe Mordechai Shulzinger
explained that this does not obligate us to stop all our tasks and sit and
wait; rather, it should be in the back of our minds and easily accessible
(as noted in the previous essay). It would seem that it would require us
to make mention of this belief often, as we normally do when it comes
to things that we are constantly looking forward to.

The mashgiach added and explained that it is not enough to only have
an intellectual belief in moshiach; rather, we need to have such a strong
belief, that it should become a sensory belief. In other words, the
person should feel his emunah to the point that he is literally waiting
for moshiach to come [see Ohr Yechezkel, Darchei Avodah, page 99].
T '" 'U E L F T H PRINCIPLE 193

T h e mashgiach w e n t o n t o e la b o ra te o n th is to p ic ; le t us b rin g s o m e

o f his p o in ts , be’ezras Hashem: a ) F irs tly, h o w a re w e t o u n d e rs ta n d

t h a t e v e n th o u g h a p e rs o n tr u ly b e lie v e s t h a t moshiach w ill c o m e , b u t

if he d o e s n o t a w a it his a rriv a l, he is c o n s id e re d a n o n -b e lie v e r in th e

c o m in g o f moshiach? b ) F u rth e rm o re , w h y is th e m itz v a h o f w a itin g

f o r moshiach o f such g r e a t s ig n ific a n c e , t h a t a la c k o f w a itin g f o r h im

is heresy? C) A d d itio n a lly , th e R a m b a m s o u rc e s his ru lin g fr o m th e

pesukim in Parshas Nitzavim (3 0 :3 -5 ). W h a t is s u rp ris in g a n d p e rp le x in g

a b o u t th is is t h a t th e pesukim th e r e d o n o t e ve n h in t a t an o b lig a tio n

t o a w a it th e a rriv a l o f moshiach. G ra n te d , th e re are o th e r pesukim th a t

c le a rly d o c o m m a n d us t o a w a it moshiach [ f o r e x a m p le , see Chavakuk

(2:3), “ Im yisma'meiah chakeh 10, if he [M o s h ia c h ] ta rrie s [c o n tin u e

t o ] w a it f o r h im .” Even so, h o w w o u ld th e s e o th e r pesukim se rve as a

s o u rc e f o r th e R a m b a m ’ s ru lin g , sin ce th e y d o n o t se e m t o in d ic a te t h a t

it is h e re s y , a n d th e R a m b a m d id n o t e v e n r e fe r us t o th o s e pesukim?

The mashgiach answers with a parable: There was a person who was
very poor. He was heavily in debt, and no one was willing to extend him
credit anymore. He and his whole family walked around in tatters, and
they had to make do with the most minimal types of food. They were
miserable and suffering from their dire plight.

One fine day everything changed. A famous tzaddik came to visit

them in their dingy and dilapidated hovel. He came in and got straight
to the point, “ I had a dream last night,” he related, “ and I was informed
by a messenger from Heaven that there will come a day when you will
awaken to find a great treasure on your table. It will be enough to last
you and your family for a whole lifetime in a very luxurious manner. I
was not told when, but it will definitely happen.” With that, he went
on his way.
194 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

T h e p o o r m a n w a s e c s ta tic . T h is tzaddik w a s k n o w n as a v e ry p io u s

a n d re lia b le m a n . His w o r d s w e re a lw a y s v e ry a c c u ra te a n d tr u s tw o r th y .

Each a n d e v e ry m o rn in g , im m e d ia te ly u p o n w a k in g u p , he ra n to see if

th e d re a m h a d c o m e tr u e y e t.

T h e a fo re m e n tio n e d pesukim in N itzavim w h ic h th e R a m b a m q u o te s ,

s ta te t h a t d u rin g th e era o f moshiach w e w ill e x p e rie n c e th e b e s t

p e rio d t h a t th e r e e v e r w a s th r o u g h o u t th e e n tire h is to ry o f th e w o r ld .
In th e w o r d s o f th e pasuk (3 0 :5 ), “ V'heitivcha - I w ill d o g o o d f o r y o u ,

v'hirbecha - a n d I w ill g iv e y o u an in c re a s e d a b u n d a n c e , m ei’avosecha -

m o re th a n w h a t I d id f o r all o f y o u r a n c e s to rs ^ ”

It is o b v io u s t h a t in c lu d e d in o u r b e lie f in th e u p c o m in g a rriv a l o f

moshiach is th e k n o w le d g e o f w h a t th e p e rio d o f moshiach w ill be like .

It fo llo w s t h a t if w e d o n o t e a g e rly a w a it th e a rriv a l o f moshiach, o r if

w e d o n o t d e s p e ra te ly a w a it his c o m in g - th e n w e o b v io u s ly d o n o t

re a lly b e lie v e t h a t he w ill c o m e . A lte r n a tiv e ly , w e d o n o t b e lie v e o r are

ig n o r a n t re g a rd in g th e sp e cia l tim e t h a t he w ill h e ra ld in. T h e re fo re , n o t

a w a itin g moshiach is t a n ta m o u n t t o h e re s y in th e a c tu a l fu n d a m e n ta l

3. The Rambam brings th e b eg in ning o f th e pasuk, and th e n he w rite s v'chulu,

m eaning th a t he is also re fe rrin g to th e end o f th e pasuk, w h ich says v'heitivcha...
Rav M oshe Sheinerm an in his sefer Ohel Moshe, Hamikdash V'hagalus, page 514
w rite s a long th e same lines as Rav M atisyahu. He w rite s th a t he presented
th is approach to Rav Dovid S oloveichik shlita, w h o a t firs t o bje cte d , because
th e R a m b a m m erely brings th e b eg in ning o f pasuk 5, w h ich m e n tio n s th a t
Hashem w ill b rin g us back to Eretz Yisroel. T hat being th e case, w e see th a t th e
R am bam d e lib e ra te ly o m itte d th e end o f th e pasuk, w h ich describes th e unique
specialness o f tho se days. Then Rav Dovid to o k o u t th e p o p u la r Frankel e d itio n o f
th e Rambam, w h ich has th e a d d itio n o f th e w o rd v'chulu. This indicates th a t th e
R am bam ’s in te n tio n w a s to include th e re st o f th e pasuk - v'heitivcha... and R a v
Dovid th e n agreed to th e approach.
T'" 'UELFTH PRINCIPLE 195

b e lie f in th e a rriv a l o f moshiach. It re fle c ts th a t w e d o n o t re a lly b e lie v e

t h a t w h ic h th e T o ra h e x p lic itly s ta te s - th a t th e d ays o f moshiach w ill

b e th e b e s t p e rio d t h a t th e J e w is h N a tio n w ill e v e r e x p e rie n c e .

T h is can be e x p la in e d in t w o w a y s : 1) N o t w a itin g f o r moshiach

s h o w s t h a t y o u d o n o t t r u ly b e lie v e t h a t he w ill c o m e . T his is in d e e d

h e re s y in th e b e lie f o f th e c o m in g o f moshiach. T he s o u rc e f o r th is is

th e v e ry sam e s o u rc e as th e a c tu a l o b lig a tio n t o b e lie v e in th e c o m in g

o f moshiach. 2) N o t w a itin g f o r moshiach re fle c ts a la c k o f b e lie f in

th e pasuk fr o m Nitzavim (3 0 :5 ), w h ic h w e q u o te d e a rlie r in th is essay.

T h e re it s ta te s t h a t th e tim e o f moshiach w ill be th e b e s t tim e e v e r in

o u r e n tire h is to ry . This is th e pasuk w h ic h th e R a m b a m a c tu a lly q u o te s

as his s o u rc e .

T h e Mashgiach a d d s t h a t if w e p a y clo se a tte n tio n t o th e t e x t o f th e

Rambam, w e w ill fin d c o r r o b o r a tio n f o r th is a p p ro a c h . In th e R a m b a m ’s

c o m m e n ta ry t o mishnayos (Sanhedrin perek Chelek, fu n d a m e n ta ls o f

fa ith ) , he se e m s t o be d e lin e a tin g th e sam e t w o p o in ts as in th e Yad

Hachazakah (Hilchos Melachim 11:1), a n d y e t he c h a n g e s th e w o rd in g .

In s te a d o f w r it in g t o a w a it moshiach, he w r ite s t o b e lie v e in th e

o u ts ta n d in g q u a lity o f moshiach‫'־‬. In Rav K a p a c h ’ s e d itio n , th e w o r d in g

is n o t t o b e little th e m a tte r o f moshiach. The im p lic a tio n is c le a r -

t h a t th e r o o t o f th e o b lig a tio n t o a w a it moshiach is b e lie v in g in th e

sp e c ia ln e s s o f moshiach a n d th e tim e p e rio d f o llo w in g his arrivaH .

4. In a d iffe re n t essay [ “ The T w e lfth Princile: A w a itin g M oshiach’s A rriv a l” ] w e

b ro u g h t an approach to explain th e Brisker Rav’s e xp la n a tio n o f th e R am bam ’s
o p in io n a b o u t th e p rin cip le o f b e lie f in moshiach. The approach w a s th a t th e
R am bam means a) w e m u st believe th a t moshiach w ill u ltim a te ly com e, and b)
we m u st believe th a t he c a n com e every d a y and every second. Hence, w e are
o b lig a te d to a w a it his im m in e n t arrival every second and every day, even on
days th a t, according to Chazal, moshiach is n o t m e a nt t o arrive. A ccordin g t o
196 T H E T H IR T E E N P R IN C IP L E S O F F A IT H

The Mashgiach goes on to say^ that based on this idea^ we need to

learn about, and internalize, the specialness of the time of moshiach,
Be^ezras Hashem we will deal with that in a different essay.

Furthermore, Rav Chatzkel Levenstein (Ohr Yechezke!^ emunah^ page

288) writes, that in order to merit participating in the grand times of
moshiach [and of techiyas hameisim], we need to want it. If not, we
will not be allowed to be part of it. This is an additional point, which
compels us to learn about and internalize the great times ahead, and
thus we will want it with all our hearts. May we merit witnessing this
glorious time, speedily in our days.

th a t a p p ro a c h , th e o b lig a tio n to w a it is n o t an a d d itio n a l a s p e c t o f th is p rin c ip le ;

ra th e r, w a itin g re fle c ts a b e lie f th a t he can a lw a y s c o m e . W e b ro u g h t th e o p in io n
th a t m a y b e o n e w o u ld n o t be c o n s id e re d a h e re tic e ve n if he d o e s n o t w a n t
moshiach to co m e , as lo n g as he a w a its h im in a d ry , in te lle c tu a l sense. This w o u ld
also o b lig a te a p e rs o n to a lw a y s e x p e c t th a t p o s s ib ly , moshiach c o u ld a rriv e
im m in e n tly . If he w o u ld b e lie v e th is he w o u ld n o t be c o n s id e re d a h e re tic .

H o w e v e r, a c c o rd in g to Rav M a tis y a h u S a lo m o n 's a p p ro a c h , o n e m u s t w a n t

moshiach to c o m e , as th e w a n tin g re fle c ts th e k n o w le d g e th a t moshiach is a
v e ry g o o d th in g f o r each and e v e ry o n e o f us. F u rth e rm o re , it w o u ld seem th a t
a c c o rd in g to Rav M atisyahu^s a p p ro a c h , it w o u ld be e n o u g h to c o n s ta n tly a w a it
moshiach e ven if it is n o t im m in e n t. It is e n o u g h to c o n s ta n tly w a n t an d h o p e
f o r th e a rriv a l o f moshiach^ e ve n if th e re are p o s s ib le , v a lid re a so n s to b e lie v e
th a t he w ill n o t im m e d ia te ly c o m e . This is a d e e p s u b je c t, w h ic h re q u ire s a lo t o f
c o n te m p la tio n , and p ra c tic a lly it is w is e to ke e p th e s trin g e n c ie s o f all o p in io n s ,
o r to discuss th e m a tte r w ith a ta im id chacham w h o is w e ll v e rs e d in th is to p ic .
T '" 'U E L F T H PRINCIPLE 197

THE TWELFTH PRINCIPLE

N^ Kw I ^ \ \ ‫ י‬ION

In the previous essay, we quoted the Lakewood Mashgiach, Rav

Matisyohu Salomon’s opinion that we are obligated to believe in the
upcoming arrival of moshiach and that we need to await him constantly.
Furthermore, we need to await moshiach eagerly, because the basis
of the requirement to await moshiach stems from our obligation to
believe that the days of moshiach will be a utopian time-period for each
and every one of us. It follows, says Rav Matisyohu, that we need to
understand and internalize the specialness of the time of moshiach. Let
us shed some light on this topic, be’ezras Hashem.

T h e Mashgiach b rin g s th e w o r d s o f th e Rambam in Hilchos Melachim

(12:4-5), w h e r e he s ta te s t h a t in c lu d e d a m o n g s t th e s e c o n d a ry b e n e fits

o f th e days o f moshiach a re th e fo llo w in g : W h e n moshiach co m e s , th e

J e w is h N a tio n w ill ru le o v e r th e e n tire w o r ld , in c lu d in g all o f th e n o n -

Jews. [T h e e n tire g lo b e fr o m A m e ric a t o A u s tra lia , each a n d e v e ry

c o n tin e n t, a n d e v e ry la s t is la n d , w ill be u n d e r to t a l J e w is h ju ris d ic tio n
a n d ru le .] A ll o f th e n a tio n s o f th e w o r ld w ill g re a tly re s p e c t th e

J e w is h N a tio n . Moshiach's tim e s w ill be an era o f g re a t h a p p in e s s a n d

re jo ic in g . N o o n e w ill cause th e J e w s tr o u b le a n y m o re . T h e re w ill be

n o m o re fa m in e o r w a r. T h e re w ill n o lo n g e r be a n y selfish a n d je a lo u s

c o m p e titio n . E v e ry o n e w ill e n jo y an a b u n d a n c e o f m a te ria l success a n d

p le a s u re . D elicacie s w ill a b o u n d , as n u m e ro u s as th e d ir t o n th e g ro u n d .
198 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

This is all secondary to the prime benefits of the epoch of moshiach,

says the Rambam. Ideally, the anticipation for moshiach should be
because it will usher in a time when we will be able to totally and easily
devote ourselves to learning Torah and doing mitzvos. It will be a time
when we can finally, completely immerse ourselves in the paradise
of avodas Hashem without hindrance. It will be a grand opportunity
to really earn ourselves a prominent place in Olam Haba, as a reward
for our devotion; for we will then be able to study Torah and perform
mitzvos without distractions.

For the days of moshiach to be a time of reward, we need to focus

now, duringthe period of galas, on using ourfree will to choose the path
of avodas Hashem, as opposed to the pursuit of materialism (according
to our individual levels, of course). By fulfilling this prerequisite, in
the times of moshiach Hashem will consider our efforts as if we were
investing the same perseverance and free choice needed to serve Him
when we were still in galas. This will be despite the fact that at that
point it will become fairly easy to serve Hashem, says Rav Matisyohu
(his words are based on the Maharal and Rav Eliyahu Lopian zt”l).

Let us emphasize one of the descriptions that the Rambam

mentioned - that in moshiach's time there will no longer be any jealous
competition. We are so disgusted with the all-too common problem of
conflict and hatred that abounds in our world’; when moshiach comes,
we will finally see the end of all machlokes, quarrels.

The Maharal (Netzach Yisrael 25) writes that some non-Jews asked
him, “Why do the Jews fight so much amongst themselves?” The
Maharal explained that this phenomenon is rooted in the fact that

1. Especially w ith th e a d v e n t o f m o d e rn te c h n o lo g y w hich makes i t so easy to

g e t involved in machlokes and ch aracte r assassination.
T '" 'U E L F T H PRINCIPLE 199

machtokes is th e d e fin itiv e e sse nce o f galus. As lo n g as w e a re in galus,

th e r e w ill in e v ita b ly be machtokes - w h e n th e machtokes w ill e n d , galus

w ill h a ve e n d e d to o .

It is e x c itin g t o th in k a b o u t h o w , h o p e fu lly s o o n , w h e n moshiach

co m e s , e v e ry o n e w ill g e t a lo n g . T h e re w ill be c o m p le te achdus, u n ity

a m o n g s t all J e w s , fr o m all w a lk s o f life , e v e ry c o lo r a n d e v e ry s trip e .

A ll J e w s w ill re s p e c t a n d lo v e o n e a n o th e r. This is a b e a u tifu l th in g t o

a n tic ip a te . S u re ly b y w o r k in g o n shalom a n d achdus n o w , during gafus,

w e w ill h a s te n th e geulah e v e n m o re .

The Maharal adds that this phenomenon actually stems from a positive
q u a lity ! A J e w has an in h e r e n t d e s ire t o b e c o m e g re a t. He has an e n e rg y

a n d d riv e t o m a k e s o m e th in g o f h im s e lf. This is tr u ly an a m a z in g q u a lity

- h o w e v e r, th e d o w n s id e o f th is q u a lity is th a t, all t o o o fte n , it b e c o m e s

th e m a in in g r e d ie n t o f machtokes, s tr ife a n d a n im o s ity .

L e t us y e a rn a n d daven for th e r e d e m p tio n , w h ic h w ill a c tu a lly h a s te n

it, as w e say in Shemonah Esrei in th e brocho o f Es Tzemach Dovid - “ ki

tishuascha kivinu kol hayom, f o r w e h o p e d f o r Y o u r s a lv a tio n th e e n tire

d a y .” S p e c ific a lly w h e n p le a d in g f o r th e geulah, w e say t h a t w e d e s e rv e

it in m e r it o f o u r h o p in g a n d y e a rn in g f o r it. L e t us d e v e lo p an in c re a s e d

a p p re c ia tio n f o r th e tim e s o f moshiach. L e t us u tiliz e o u r bechira -

fre e c h o ic e , t o c h o o s e T o ra h a n d m itz v o s , a n d n o t m a te ria lis m . L e t us

in c re a s e o u r p le a s u re a n d sense o f v ita lity w h e n fu lfillin g T o ra h a nd

m itz v o s . L e t us w o r k o n shalom a n d achdus, a n d b y d o in g so, fin a lly m e r it

w itn e s s in g th e tr u e re v e la tio n o f H a s h e m ’s g lo ry , h e re in o u r w o r ld .
200 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE TWELFTH PRINCIPLE

Y E A R N IN G F O R K ¥ O D S H A M A Y IM ,
H EAYEN LY G LO RY

T h e C h o fe tz C haim w r ite s (Likutei Amarim, c h a p te r 11, p a g e 16) th a t if

w e w o u ld re a lly p re p a re o u rs e lv e s a n d a w a it th e a rriv a l o f moshiach, it

w o u ld c o m p e l h im t o c o m e im m e d ia te ly ! T his is on c o n d itio n , h o w e v e r,

t h a t w e a w a it h im f o r th e r ig h t re a s o n s - o n ly th e n w ill it cause moshiach

to com e.

T h e re a s o n w e m u s t y e a rn f o r th e a rriv a l o f moshiach is b e ca u se

th e n th e fu ll g lo ry o f H a s h e m ’ s K in g d o m w ill b e c o m e re v e a le d and

p u b lic iz e d th r o u g h o u t th e e n tire w o r ld . A s a re s u lt o f th e re v e la tio n

o f kvod Malchus Shamayim in th e w o r ld , o u r m a te ria l n e e d s w ill be m e t

as w e ll. H o w e v e r, if o u r y e a rn in g is fo c u s e d o n a lle v ia tin g o u r o w n

p e rs o n a l p a in a n d s u ffe rin g in th is b it t e r e x ile , it d o e s n o t q u a lify as a

re a s o n t o b rin g moshiach, n o r is it th e r ig h t re a s o n t o lo n g f o r th e a rriv a l

o f moshiach. F u rth e rm o re , w e w ill be a ske d b y o u r final ju d g m e n t if

w e h o p e d f o r th e re d e m p tio n (Shabbos 31a). This m e a n s th a t w e w ill

be a ske d if w e w a n te d an in c re a s e in kvod Shamayim - th a t th e g lo ry

a n d h o n o r o f H ash e m s h o u ld be re v e a le d a n d p u b lic iz e d . These are

th e w o r d s o f th e C h o fe tz C haim . L e t us e la b o ra te o n th is to p ic be’ezras
Hashem.
T '" 'U E L F T H PRINCIPLE 201

O b v io u s ly , t o be a b le t o y e a rn f o r an in c re a s e in kvo d Sham ayim , w e

fir s t n e e d t o le a rn a b o u t it a n d w o r k o n it n o w , w h ile w e a re s till in

galus.

R a b b e in u Y o n a h in Sha’arei Teshuva w r ite s th a t th e p u rp o s e o f m a n ’s

c re a tio n w a s so t h a t he s h o u ld b rin g h o n o r t o th e N a m e o f H ashem .

This is as th e pasuk in Yeshaya (4 3 :7 ) d e c la re s , “ A ll th o s e w h o a re ca lle d

by My N a m e , a n d f o r M y h o n o r I h a ve c re a te d him.‫י' ” ״‬. W e a c c o m p lis h

th is b y lis te n in g t o H ash e m a n d p e r fo r m in g His W ill. T his is e s p e c ia lly

a p p lic a b le t o th e lo f t y m itz v o s w h ic h th e R a b b e in u Y o n a h lis ts in his

Shaarei Teshuvah (sha'ar 3:17).

R a b b e in u Y o n a h w r ite s th a t, in p a rtic u la r, th is c o n c e p t a p p lie s t o b e in g

c a re fu l n o t t o cause a chilul Hashem - a d e s e c ra tio n o f H a s h e m ’s N am e,

a n d n o t t o d is re s p e c t th e w o r d s o f H ashem (i.e .. His m itz v o s ). R a th e r,

w e m u s t a c c o m p lis h o u r c e n tra l c a llin g in life - h o n o r in g H ashem a nd

s a n c tify in g H im [Fchabed es Hashem u'likadsho- see sha'ar 3:143].

R a b b e in u Y o n a h a lso a p p lie s th is c o n c e p t t o s h o w in g h o n o r a nd

re s p e c t t o T o ra h s c h o la rs , b e in g c a re fu l t o a v o id d is p la y in g d is re s p e c t

in a n y w a y . This is b e c a u s e o n e o f th e w a y s th a t w e n e e d t o m a k e a

kiddush Hashem' is by ensuring th a t w e always act in a way which reflects

th a t the purpose o f life is avodas Hashem, yiras Shamayim - fe a r o f
H e a ve n , a n d le a rn in g Torahs This is as th e pasuk s ta te s (Koheles 12:13),

t h a t yiras Shamayim “ is th e w h o le [p u r p o s e ] o f m a n .” T h e re fo re , it

is v ita l t o s h o w p r o p e r re s p e c t f o r T o ra h s c h o la rs , b e cau se th e y are

o u r ro le m o d e ls , w h o s h o w us t h a t m a n ’s p rim a ry ta s k in life is s e rv in g

1. It seems fro m Rabbeinu Yonah th a t g ivin g kavod to Hashem and m aking a

kiddush Hashem are synonym ous, o r a t least parallel one a no the r.

2. See Alei Shor, vo lu m e 2, page 445.

202 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

H ash e m . F u rth e rm o re , th e y a re th e o n e s w h o g u id e us, s h o w in g us th e

c o r r e c t w a y t o k e e p th e T o ra h (sha'ar 3:148).

R a b b e in u Y o n a h c o n c lu d e s , t h a t sin ce th e p u rp o s e o f c re a tio n is
b rin g in g g lo r y t o th e N a m e o f H a sh e m , th e r e fo r e a p e rs o n is o b lig a te d

t o c o n s ta n tly m a k e s u re t h a t his a c tio n s in cre a se H a s h e m ’s h o n o r a nd

s a n c tify His N a m e - m a k in g a kiddush Hashem in all o f his e n d e a v o rs . So

to o , he s h o u ld a lw a y s e x a lt th e n a m e o f H ash e m , a n d c o n s ta n tly th a n k
a n d b less H im . A d d itio n a lly , w h e n a p e rs o n s p e n d s tim e w ith o th e rs ,

he s h o u ld be v e ry c a re fu l t o m a k e a kiddush Hashem w it h his sp e ech

- t o p ra is e th e s e rv ic e o f H ash e m a n d t o d iscuss th e im p o rta n c e o f

yiras Shamayim. F u rth e rm o re , he s h o u ld p ra ise in d iv id u a ls w h o d e v o te

th e m s e lv e s t o avodas Hashem a n d yiras Shamayim. O ne w h o a d o p ts

th is p ra c tic e w ill e a sily m e r it tr e m e n d o u s re w a rd - a n d he is fu lfillin g

th e p u rp o s e o f his e x is te n c e (sh a'ar 3:148).

Rav S h lo m o W o lb e (Alei Shor, v o lu m e 2, p a g e 2 3 6) w r ite s th e

fo llo w in g : T h e tachlis - p u rp o s e a n d g o a l o f th e w o r ld , is th e re v e la tio n

o f th e O n e n e ss a n d U n ity o f H ash e m . T his w ill ta k e p la ce b y th e fin a l

re d e m p tio n ( u p o n moshiach's a rriv a l), w h e n th e fo rc e s o f e vil w ill

fin a lly be n u llifie d . T h a t is w h e n th e yichud - U n ity o f H ash e m , w ill be

re v e a le d . In o th e r w o rd s , t h a t is w h e n th e kavod - g lo ry o f H ashem ,

w ill be m a d e k n o w n t o th e e n tire w o r ld .

H o w e v e r, Klal Yisroel can a lre a d y a tta in th is le ve l n o w , d u rin g th e

galus, a n d t h a t is th e p u rp o s e o f o u r e x is te n c e . W e say th is in davening

e v e ry day, “ Baruch Elokeinu she'baranu lichvodo!” - B lessed is H ashem

t h a t He c re a te d us t o b rin g h o n o r t o His N am e . A J e w ’s g re a te s t

fo r tu n e a n d his a s p ira tio n in life , is t o m e r it in his life tim e t o be a t le a s t

a sm a ll “ s p a rk ” in th e re v e la tio n o f H a s h e m ’s g lo ry , w it h his th o u g h ts ,

his w o r d s a n d his a c tio n s - th is is th e m is s io n o f a life tim e . T h e n Rav

T '" 'U E L F T H PRINCIPLE 203

W o lb e g o e s o n t o q u o te th e w o r d s o f R a b b e in u Y o n a h , w h ic h w e

q u o te d e a rlie r in th is essay.

Rav W o lb e , in a d iffe r e n t p la c e (A le i Shor, volume 2, p a g e 225),

e x p la in s th e g e n e ra l c o n c e p t o f kavod - h o n o r. O n p a ge 235 he a p p lie s

it s p e c ific a lly t o kavod Shamayim - h o n o rin g H ash e m . B rie fly s p e a k in g ,

he e x p la in s t h a t b y g iv in g s o m e o n e o r s o m e th in g h o n o r, he re v e a ls th e

v a lu e a n d q u a lity o f t h a t p e rs o n o r ite m . To h o n o r H ashem is t o re ve a l

th e p re s e n c e a n d m a n ife s ta tio n o f H ash em in o u r w o r ld . F u rth e rm o re ,

th e w o r d kavod m e a n s w e ig h t a n d s e rio u sn e ss. This im p lie s th a t

s h o w in g kavod m e a n s t o t r e a t s o m e o n e o r s o m e th in g w it h th e c o rre c t

le v e l o f s e rio u s n e s s a n d a p p re c ia tio n f o r its v a lu e .

W e can s tre s s an a d d itio n a l p o in t - t h a t w h e n w e g lo r ify , re s p e c t a nd

h o n o r s o m e th in g o r s o m e o n e , it causes us t o le a rn fr o m a n d e m u la te

t h a t p e rs o n o r c o n c e p t.

Rav Moshe S h a p iro zt”l (sefer Re'eh Emunah p a g e 51-53 a n d p a g e 6 9 )

e x p la in e d th e c o n c e p t o f kavod Shamayim o n a d e e p e r le ve l. In s h o rt,

he b rin g s th e t e x t o f th e tefilla (birkas krias shema) t h a t to v yatzar

k ’vod iishm o, m e a n in g , H ash e m th e “ G o o d O n e ” [ o u t o f His g o o d n e s s

t o m a n k in d ], c re a te d th e c o n c e p t a n d o p p o r tu n ity t o b rin g h o n o r t o

His N a m e ( o r f o r His sa ke ). [S e e th e S iddur Ishei Yisroel, HaCra (in th e

c o m m e n ta ry A v n e / Eliyahu) f o r th e basis o f Rav S h a p iro ’s a p p ro a c h ].

H ash e m w a n te d t o b e s to w g o o d , so He c re a te d a c o n c e p t ca lle d

Malchus, M a je s ty . Malchus n e c e s s ita te s (as it w e re ) c re a te d b e in g s ,

w h o w ill c o m p le te th e Malchus b y re c o g n iz in g th e Melech. This is d o n e

b y e ith e r p o s itiv e ly b rin g in g h o n o r t o His n a m e , o r n e g a tiv e ly - th e n

u n fo r tu n a te ly g e ttin g p u n is h e d f o r d e s e c ra tin g th e h o n o r o f th e K ing

- H ash e m .
204 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

In o th e r w o rd s , H ash e m re v e a le d t o us th a t th e o n ly w a y it is p o s s ib le

f o r us t o e x is t a n d be re c ip ie n ts o f His g o o d d e p e n d s o n w h e th e r w e

a re c re a tio n s w h o m a n ife s t th e g lo ry o f H ashem b y th e w a y w e live o u r

live s. Rav S h a p iro a d d e d t h a t w e s h o u ld re c o g n iz e th a t H ashem d o e s

n o t n e e d us. H o w e v e r, He c re a te d a s y s te m in w h ic h He e x p re s s e d His

W ill t h a t w e s h o u ld live a n d a c t as if He d o e s n e e d us t o b rin g h o n o r t o

His N a m e . T h is is so t h a t th e r e w ill be a re v e la tio n o f M alchus Shamayim,

a n d th is w a y He can b e s to w His b e n e v o le n c e u p o n o th e rs .

L e t us a d d in s im p le la n g u a g e , t h a t o f c o u rs e it is a g re a t h o n o r a nd
p riv ile g e t o be g iv e n p e rm is s io n b y th e K in g t o b rin g h o n o r t o His

N a m e . T h is is s im ila r t o w h a t w e fin d a m o n g s t h u m a n b e in g s , w h o
w ill d o a n y th in g t o h a v e th e p riv ile g e o f m e e tin g w it h an im p o r ta n t

p e rs o n a g e a n d th e o p p o r tu n it y t o h o n o r h im .

T h e C h o fe tz C haim q u o te s fr o m a M idrash, t h a t d o in g a n y o f th e

m itz v o s is a fo r m o f h o n o r in g H ash em (M aam ar Kvod Sham ayim ,

in tr o d u c tio n ) . W e see fr o m th e Gemara in Yoma (8 6 a ) a n d th e Rambam

(Yesodei HaTorah 5:11) t h a t kiddush Hashem w h ic h is s y n o n y m o u s w ith

kavod Shamayim, is e s p e c ia lly a p p lic a b le t o th e w a y a J e w o r T o ra h
s c h o la r a c ts p u b lic ly ; th is v is ib ly g iv e s p e o p le an e ith e r p o s itiv e , o r chas

ve'shalom n e g a tiv e , im p re s s io n o f H a sh e m a n d His T o ra h .

L e t us w o r k o n in c re a s in g o u r in v o lv e m e n t in g e n e ra tin g kavod

Shamayim a n d kiddush Hashem, n o w , w h ile s till in galus. L e t us d e v o te

a n d d e d ic a te o u rs e lv e s t o o u r p u rp o s e o f e x is te n c e - in c re a s in g kvod

Shamayim. F in ally, le t us y e a rn f o r th e a rriv a l o f moshiach, so t h a t th e

g lo r y o f H a sh e m s h o u ld b e c o m e p u b lic iz e d in th e w h o le u n iv e rs e ,

s p e e d ily in o u r tim e s .
T '" 'U E L F T H PRINCIPLE 205

THE TWELFTH PRINCIPLE

K ¥ O D S H A M A Y i m , H E A W E iL Y G L O R Y
AND T Z A A R H M S H E C H I N A \
OF v^ U N I R R I S I N C E

T h e C h o fe tz C haim w r ite s (Likutei Am arim , c h a p te r 11, p a g e 16),

t h a t it is n o t e n o u g h t o ju s t y e a rn f o r m oshiach, w e h a ve t o y e a rn f o r

th e r ig h t re a s o n s . W e h a ve t o y e a rn f o r kvo d Shamayim - th e g lo ry

o f H a sh e m t h a t w ill b e c o m e re v e a le d a n d p u b lic iz e d w h e n moshiach

w ill c o m e . T he g r e a te s t th in g t h a t a p e rs o n can a c c o m p lis h is t o g iv e

u p his life al kiddush Hashem - t o s a n c tify th e N am e o f H ash e m . It has

b e e n said th o u g h , t h a t f o r a p e rs o n t o live a life c o m m itte d t o kiddush

Sheim Shamayim can be c o n s id e re d an e v e n m o re d iffic u lt c h a lle n g e ;

p e rh a p s a g r e a te r e n d e a v o r th a n e v e n d y in g f o r th e sake o f H ea ve n . By
c o n s ta n tly y e a rn in g f o r moshiach, so t h a t kvod Shamayim a n d kiddush

Sheim Shamayim s h o u ld be re v e a le d in its fu ll g lo ry , w e w ill be a b le t o

re m a in fo c u s e d o n th is g o a l - t o live live s d e d ic a te d t o kvod Shamayim.

F u rth e rm o re , if w e le a rn t o a p p re c ia te th e c o n c e p t n o w , th e n w e w ill

be a b le t o y e a rn f o r moshiach th e r ig h t w a y , w h ic h in tu r n w ill h a s te n

th e geulah.

L e t us p re s e n t o n e p ra c tic a l a n d c o m m o n ly fo u n d a p p lic a tio n o f

kiddush Hashem t h a t w e can a s p ire to . Rav M o s h e F e in s te in zt”l,

w r ite s th e f o llo w in g r u lin g (Igros Moshe, v o lu m e 8, Y.D., p a g e 224).

T he R a m b a m is o f th e o p in io n t h a t it is n o t p e rm is s ib le f o r a p e rs o n
206 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

to accept charity to be able to devote himself to Torah study; rather,

he must work to earn a living’. However, Rav Moshe explains that, in
truth, the Rambam would say this only for someone who, while holding
down a job, is still capable of learning well in his remaining time.

However, somebody, who because of his efforts to earn a living, will

not be able to focus enough on his Torah learning, then, such a person,
is actually obligated to accept gifts and charity, so that he can devote
himself to studying Torah with clarity -even according to the Rambam.
This person is highly qualified to receive tzedakah funds. Furthermore,
says Rav Moshe, about such a person we can apply the Rambam’s
words in hilchos rotzeiach (chapter 7), that for a Torah scholar and a
seeker of Torah, to be without Torah is tantamount to death!

Rav Moshe makes a very powerful statement about this. He says

that a person who is willing to embarrass himself and accept gifts
and charity to be able to devote himself to Torah study, is making a
tremendous kiddush Hashem. Rav Moshe writes that there is no greater
kiddush Sheim Shamayim and honor to the Torah than this. This is the
greatest form of sanctifying the Name of Hashem and of giving honor
to the Torah. This person is showing people that it is worth humiliating
oneself to be able to learn Torah properly.

Each one of us can take a share in this massive display of kiddush

Hashem, by helping a full-time Torah learner financially. Furthermore,
each and every one of us can forgo certain time consuming pastimes,
and instead devote more time to learning Torah, even though it may
come at the expense of some sort of embarrassment (like turning
down a good business deal or social invitation, etc.).

1. T h is ru lin g is n o t a c c e p te d !'m a 'a s e h ( p r a c t ic a lly ) as is e x p lic it in Ig ro s Moshe,

Y.D. 2, s im a n 116, p a g e 190 ( v o lu m e 5).

T '" 'U E L F T H P R IN C IP L E 207

Every single Jew was created with a mission and a mandate - to bring
honor to the Name of Hashem - with his specific abilities and according
to how he lives his life (Rabbeinu Yonah, Shaarei Teshuva 3:7). That
being said, let us make the following observation:

Out of around 7.5 billion people in the worlds there are only about
15.5 million Jews^, which is twenty one percent - about two in a
thousand.

Out of the 15.5 million Jews in the whole world, only 2.1 million of
them are orthodox.

It follows, that out of the 7.5 billion people in the world, only three
percent are contributing their share to kvod Shamayim. That means
that just 3 out of every 10,000 people are honoring Hashem.

Of the 6 million Jews living in America today, only ten percent of them
are following Hashem’sTorah and consider themselves orthodox Jews'*.

2. It is p o p u la r ly a s s u m e d t h a t t h e r e a re 7 o r 8 b illio n p e o p le in t h e w o r ld .

3. In t h e Is ra e li Y a te d Ne’eman, in J u n e 2018, it was q u o t e d f r o m t h e v a ’a d a t

h a ’a lia h v ’h a k lita o f t h e Is ra e li K n e s s e t, t h a t t h e r e a re 5.7 m illio n J e w s in th e

U .S .A ., a n d 2.7 m illio n in o t h e r c o u n tr ie s , a n d t h a t in E re tz Yisroel t h e r e a re m o r e

t h a n 6 m illio n . T h e re is a p o p u la r a s s u m p tio n t h a t t h e r e a re 7 m illio n J e w s in E re tz

Yisroel.

4 . In t h e Is ra e li Yated Ne’eman, in D e c e m b e r 2018, it was q u o t e d f r o m t h e Pew

re s e a rc h , t h a t in A m e ric a 10-11 p e r c e n t o f t h e J e w s a re o r t h o d o x , a n d a n o t h e r

8 -9 p e r c e n t a re s e m i- tr a d itio n a l ( t h e y a f filia te w it h Chabad b u t d o n ’t c o n s id e r

th e m s e lv e s r e lig io u s ) . 50 o r 6 0 p e r c e n t a re e n t ir e ly u n a ffilia te d w it h J u d a is m .

R e fo rm c o m p ris e s a n o t h e r 15 p e r c e n t a n d C o n s e rv a tiv e 12-13 percen t.

208 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Of the 6.5 million Jews living in Eretz Yisroel today, only a mere twenty
percent are Torah observant Jews'’.

Of the 3 million Jews in the other parts of the world, we can assume
that not more than five percent of them are actually orthodox Jews.

In conclusion, out of the 15.5 million Jews in the world, only 2.1 million
are bearing the torch of kvo d Shamayim. In the U.S.A., only 1 in every
10 Jews is a mekadesh Sheim Sham ayim . In Eretz Yisroel, the “ King’s
palace” itself, only 2 out of every 10 Jews is loyal to bring honor to their
Father, the King. Although this is a sobering and shocking observation,
sometimes we need to look the truth in the eye, to shock ourselves
into action.

Imagine the following “ story.” There was a couple that got married.
They settled down, and as usual, eagerly waited to be blessed with a
child. Unfortunately, the heavenly gift was not quick in coming. They
waited and they waited. The years went by. They tried everything,
leaving no stone unturned. They visited every doctor and experimented
with every treatment available. They wept copious tears in tefilla to
Hashem, and tried every possible segulah. Sadly, it just seemed like all
of their efforts were in vain.

Finally, after waiting twenty long and painful years, their dreams
suddenly came true, and their te fillo s were answered. They were
blessed with not just one child, but with four healthy, adorable children.
They had two boys and two girls. They were ecstatic and it was the
talk of the town. As the children grew older, their parents and whole
community delighted in each achievement, every step of the way.

5. B a se d o n p o p u la r a s s u m p tio n , I h a v e a ls o h e a rd t h a t 2 m illio n J e w s a re

o rth o d o x .
T '" 'U E L F T H P R IN C IP L E 209

When the quads smiled their first smiles - wow, what nachas, what a
joy! They crawled, they stood up, they took their first steps and finally
they walked and got their first pairs of shoes. What a celebration it
was! When they started talking, their p a re n ts ’ joy knew no bounds.

Finally it came time for the boys’ bar mitzvahs; it was such a simcha.
The preparations were a whirl of excitement. Everyone pitched in and
everyone wanted a part in this amazing event.

It was just a few short days before the bar mitzvah, and the quads
were getting a ride somewhere, when suddenly a truck which was
coming the other way, lost control. There was a terrible accident -
sadly only one girl out of the four quads survived...

Hashem, in His great benevolence, created a magnificent and

beautiful world - a paradise. He waited to have a child, who would
deserve to be the recipient of His generosity. After waiting almost two
thousand years, finally Hashem had a child - Avraham Avinu (1948).
Around another 500 years elapsed, and finally Hashem’s special Nation,
His dear children, were born at yetzias mitzrayim - the exodus from
E gypt (2488).

Then followed the glorious era, the forty years of the Dor Hamidbar
the Generation of the Desert, when Hashem groomed His children to
become a kingdom of princes. After that, in the year 2488, Hashem
finally brought us into His palace, Eretz Yisroel. Then around 450 years
later things peaked in the era of Shlomo Hamelech. We were a real
source of nachas to Hashem for the 41 0 years of the first Be/s Ham ikdash
(2928-3338), which sadly came to an end with its destruction as a result
of our rebelliousness. It was only around fifteen hundred years after
yetzias mitzrayim, that a great tragedy occurred. The Jews sinned
so severely, that Hashem allowed His beloved children to suffer the
210 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

destruction of the second Beis Hamikdash - they were exiled, and the
Jewish Nation and their loving Father in Heaven were plunged into
mourning (3828). They suffered a spiritual death, and sadly it has lasted,
so far, for around 2,000 years.

Now, towards the end of the bitter galus, the majority of Hashem’s
children are buried in the dirt of materialism, and are chasing the false
illusions of the world. Just a mere two percent of Hashem’s children,
are “ alive” and proudly bearing the Name of Hashem, proclaiming
their loyalty to kvod Shamayim. Therefore, we yearn deeply for the
coming of moshiach, when the glory of Hashem will finally reverberate
throughout the entire world.

Besides for the lack of kvod Shamayim that has resulted due to the
fact that there are so many Jews who do not follow Hashem’s Torah,
there is also a tremendous tzaar haShechina, pain felt by the Divine
Presence, keviyachol. The Divine Presence of Hashem is in exile, and is
mourning her lost and wayward children, as it were.

The Shiah Hakadosh (Likutei Shiah, Shavuos, page 359-360) tells the
story of a Shavuos night in Tzfas some 350 years ago. A Divine voice
revealed itself. It told of how proud it was that a group of Torah
scholars had gathered and stayed up at night to learn Torah, in all of its
holiness. This Heavenly voice described to them the tremendous pain
of the Divine Presence during galus.

“ ... For it is already many long years that My crown has fallen from
My head, and I can find no consolation. I have been thrust into the dirt,
and I find myself hugging the garbage heaps. Now, finally, you have
returned My crown, like in the days of old... If you would only imagine
a billionth, an iota, of My suffering in this galus, you would not be able
to experience any joy or give even one smile your entire lives. Especially
T '" 'U E L F T H P R IN C IP L E 211

considering the fact that this suffering is because of your deeds, sins,
and lack of teshuva all these years.”

Let us yearn for the geulah, to really want kvod Shamayim, and wipe
away the heavenly tears - the pain of the Shechina, once and forever.
Rav Nosson Wachtfogel had a tradition^ that all those who succeed
in staying away from the gentile culture will merit greeting moshiach.
Perhaps the reason is because those who are proud to act Jewish
and keep away from non-Jewish values are saying, “ Hashem we are
Your children, and we want to give You nachas - we want Your glory
to be revealed to all.” Let us say “ a/ kein nekaveh lecha, therefore we
hope and long for You... ” in Aleinu with feeling, and let us participate
in the kaddish tefiHah with all our hearts, as these are expressions of
our heartfelt desire that the glory of Hashem’s Name should finally be
revealed.

Rav Sheinerman (Ohel Moshe, Hamikdash V'hagalus, page 526) relates

the following story- the tale of a Jew who had already lost his wife
and children to the Nazi butchers. Now it was his turn to meet his fate.
He called out in a loud voice - the collective cry of the Jewish Nation
in gal us, “ Tatteh! I will not ask you for children or for life, nor will I
ask you for sustenance. I am already passed all that. I just ask for one
thing - yisgadel v’yiskadesh Shmei Rabbah, may the glory of Your Name
become exalted and sanctified forever!”

6. Meir Einei Yisroel (vo lu m e 5 page 284), based on Leket Reshimos Chanukah.
212 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE TW ELFTH P R IN C IP L E

\ \ ^ VERLASTIKv ^XOND 10\ I

The Rambam writes (Peirush Mishnayos, Sanhedrin, Chelek) that the

twelfth fundamental is to believe in the coming of moshiach. The Sefer
Ha’ikrim (1:4 and 4:42), and the Chasam Safer (in his teshuvos at the
end of y.D.) write that they do not understand why this should be
considered a fundamental of emunah. Let us quote the answer of Rav
Shimshon Pincus zt” l to explain the opinion of the Rambam.

Rav Pincus writes the following in his introduction to his sefer on

chumash, entitled Tiferes Torah: Let us ask ourselves the all-important
questions: What are we here for? What is life and yiddishkeit all about?
What are our goals, and what should be our focus in this world? It is
true that the final goal and result - the ultimate purpose - is that we
should earn nitzchiyus - eternity for ourselves; this is the true schar -
reward. By earning it through are own perseverance, we will be spared
the embarrassment of taking handouts in the World to Come. This
world is the place where we work hard to earn this reward that we will
receive in Olam Haba. However, we are asking a different question -
what is the focus and the main objective, here and now, in our world,
the world we call olam hazeh?

The answerto this, says Rav Pincus, is three words in lashon hakodesh.
These three words are the entire objective of our lives and of Judaism.
They are krisas bris ahavah. This means that Hashem made a covenant
T '" 'U E L F T H P R IN C IP L E 213

of love with Klat Yisroel. Hashem committed Himself to Klal Yisroel, to

a bond of intimacy between Him and them. Our mission statement in
life, is to tap into our closeness with Hashem, to maintain it, and to
constantly increase the intensity of it.

Rav Pincus continues and explains that essentially this is the

underlying point of Olam Haba as well. We spend our lives connecting
with Hashem, and we elevate ourselves to develop our self, our identity
and our very essence, to become intimately close with Hashem. We
make ourselves the “ children,” and even the “ spouse,” of Hashem, so
to speak, which is in fact our core and inner essence. After this, we are
ready for Olam Haba, to bask in the presence of Hashem, and enjoy
being with Him without any shame. We will not feel like we received a
handout, because we have such a close relationship of love, one which
we developed during our stay in olam hazeh.

This covenant of love, this intimate bond between Hashem and the
Jewish Nation, was forged by Har Sinai. It was a bond that was to
manifest itself in olam hazeh, especially in Eretz Yisroel, and even more
so, in the Beis Hamikdash.

A covenant - a bris in the real sense - is eternal. If it would. Heaven

forbid, be possible for Hashem to decide to disown or divorce the
Jewish Nation at some point in time, then that would relegate the
Torah and the mitzvos to merely an arrangement - a deal - of work
and compensation. However, a covenant - a bond of love - it would
not be. Even if the separation would be because we betrayed Hashem,
it would still reflect that there was not really a covenant, just a “ work”
relationship, similar to an employer and his employee.

Our faith in the coming of moshiach is a fundamental of our emunah,

because it reflects and underscores this bond of love that we have with
214 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Hashem. Hashem will certainly return us to Eretz Yisroel and to the Beis
Hamikdash, while still in our present olam hazeh world, so that we can
have the true manifestation of our bond of love. This is fundamental,
because this defines the here and now, and it is not based on future
implications. This defines our present relationship with Hashem, which
is the entire focus of Judaism and our life. This is the amazing answer
of Rav Pincus. (It is greatly encouraged to see his brilliant words and
elaboration on the sources.)

Let us add to Rav Pincus’s explanation, the amazing words of the

Maharal (Netzach Yisroel 11). He writes that the love that Hashem has
for Klal Yisroel is unconditional! Therefore, we can rest assured that
Hashem will not leave us in galus forever.

We may feel that who are we that we should merit the geulah - are
we really deserving? Let us quote Rav Pam z t"l from his sefer Atarah
Lamelech (page 140) about moshiach in general, and about this point
specifically:

We are obligated to await the arrival of moshiach, like a person

who is eagerly awaiting something, and he hopes and expects it to
happen in the near future. We should not. Heaven forbid, entertain the
thought that it is true that he will come, but the time is just does not
ripe yet. In fact, the navi Malachi (3:1) prophesied regarding moshiach,
“ And suddenly he will enter his chamber (heichel), the master (adon,
moshiach see Radak) who you desire.” So said Rav Pam zt” l.

It is true that, ideally, we need to be on a high spiritual level to deserve

the coming of moshiach. However, we will quote sources that say that
even when the Jews are on a very low level, they can also expect the
immediate arrival of moshiach.
T '" 'U E L F T H P R IN C IP L E 215

In Parshas Ha'azinu (32:36-41), the Torah describes how there will be

a time that all of the Nations of the world will be against the Jews.
The Torah then foretells that even in that situation, Hashem will come
and save the Jewish Nation. The Ohr Hachaim explains the pesukim as
follows. Hashem will look at the tremendous suffering of the Jews. He
will take particular notice of the pain of the tzaddikim - the righteous
individuals. He will contemplate the fact that they were killed, burned,
and even skinned alive, during the long and bitter galus. In the merit
of their suffering, Hashem will reconsider, as it were, and say, “ They
suffered enough; it is time for the galus to end.”

Furthermore, when Hashem will see that the Jews are unable to save
themselves from the galus in their own merit, and that they no longer
have leaders who are able to influence them to mend their ways and
keep the Torah properly, it will cause Hashem to hasten the geulah.
These are the sad, yet comforting words of the Ohr Hachaim.

After Klal Yisroel suffered so much in the recent Holocaust, and since
the power of theTorah leaders has been greatlydiminished, we certainly
have good reason to expect moshiach ever so soon. Furthermore, since
the spiritual level of Klal Yisroel is in decline, this is all the more reason
for Hashem to hasten the geulah. If He waits. Heaven forbid. He will not
have whom to redeem anymore.

The Sforno in Parshas Vayeltzai (28:14) writes the following. “ When

the Jewish Nation will reach rock-bottom - that is when the geulah
will take place.” Rav Pam wrote that the Holocaust was certainly a
fulfillment of this condition’.

.
1 We c a n a d d to th is t h e d is m a l lo w t h a t t h e J e w s a re w itn e s s in g n o w w it h

t h e s e rio u s illn e s s e s t h a t a re so r a m p a n t a n d t h e s h id d u c h c ris is . A d d it io n a lly

216 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

The Midrash Rabbah states (Shir Hashirim 2:8), “ That Hashem

redeemed the Jews from Mitzrayim in the merit of the tzaddikim. This
was despite the fact that most of the Jews were undeserving in their
own right.”

We too, can expect that Hashem will redeem us from our present
day galus in the merit of the tzaddikim, and in the merit of those who
devote themselves to Torah study, despite great challenges.

Furthermore, Hashem guaranteed us that even if we do not mend

our ways on our own. He will awaken in us a spirit of repentance (see
Yechezkel 36:25).

In Melachim II (14:24) we see that even when the Jews are doing
aveiros, if the enemies of the Jews will want to totally destroy them,
this is sufficient enough reason for Hashem to come and save them and
grant them success.

The Chofetz Chaim said that in his times already, and today it is even
more applicable, all the prerequisite signs for moshiach had already
come. We can thus be assured that we are very close to the geulah.

Furthermore, the quickness in which events and changes are taking

place in more recent times is an indication that the end of the galus
is near, because when we come to the final phase of galus all the
“ accounts” need to be finished up before the end. Therefore things are
happening much more rapidly. People are earning and losing fortunes
overnight. The world has become a small hamlet with air travel and
technology. Country and political leaders are coming and going at a
dizzying pace. Standards of morality have taken a dramatic plunge.

troubling, are the families that are being tragically destroyed as a result of
technology and other issues.
T '" 'U E L F T H PRINCIPLE 217

This is happening in order to provide reward and punishment, and to

present everyone with their tailormade challenges and tribulations,
which will then shape their destiny and posterity.

Additionally, before the geuiah there will be a dramatic and terrifying

increase of tumah -spiritual contamination in the world, which we are
sadly witness to.

We can add that this is especially true today, with the terrible spiritual
decline brought on by technology, the terrible rates of intermarriage,
and people who are leaving the path of Torah. We also suffer from a
dramatic increase of disrespect for talmidei chachamim and Cedolim
and of machlokes - strife. Additionally, authentic and traditional Jewish
values are being attacked on all fronts - both by the Israeli government,
as well as by many prominent world governments. Therefore, we have
all the more reason to expect moshiach very soon.

One of the greatest obstacles to the geuiah, is relying on the nations

of the world to be our saviors. We need to place our trust only in the
Ribbono she! Olam, because He is the only one who has the ability to
save us from galus.

Rav Pam concluded his ma’amar by writing that we have to make the
following preparations and efforts to bring the geuiah:

First and foremost, tefilla is a prerequisite for the geuiah. Additionally,

we need to increase our commitment to learning Torah and doing
chessed (see Sanhedrin 98b). Furthermore, we should support and
encourage people who are willing to learn and teach Torah full-time, as
doing so is kodesh kedoshim - holy of holies.

Those who spend the bulk of their days earning a living, need to
stay focused on the fact that earning money is only a means to an
218 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

end. It is not a goal in its own right. Torah study must be established
as the prime focus in one’s life. One’s occupation is only a temporary
endeavor. Finally, besides for our own involvement in limud Torah, we
need to spread the light to the masses. We need to teach Torah to our
uninitiated brothers and sisters. They are out there, and they are not
just thirsty; rather, their neshamos are parched for the sweet and life-
giving waters of Torah. These are the words of Rav Pam zt” l.

May we constantly grow in our closeness to Hashem. May we feel

Hashem’s love for us and reciprocate it. May we really expect and
prepare ourselves for moshiach, whose footsteps can already be heard,
and may we finally go out and greet him b’mehaira beyameinu amen.
T '" 'U E L F T H PRINCIPLE

THE TWELFTH PRINCIPLE

N^ Kw I OR R O Y A LTY (PART ONI ^

The twelfth fundamental of emunah is to believe in the coming of

Mosh/ach.The Rambam includes an additional point in this fundamental:
“ And we should also believe that Moshiach will be greater, and will be
given more honor than all the kings who ever w ere... and to know that
a Jewish king must come from Dovid Hamelech and his son Shlomo”
(Peirush Hamishnayos, Sanhedrin perek Che/ek).

We see that included in this ikar is the fact that Moshiach will be a king,
and the greatest king of all time. Earlier in the Peirush Hamishnayos,
before the thirteen principles, the Rambam spoke about the days of
Moshiach and, there too, he pointed out that Moshiach will be a melech
Yisroel - a Jewish king, and that with his coming we will once again
have a glorious Jewish monarchy. Let us discuss the topic of a Jewish
king, and be'ezras Hashem, we will also glean some important practical
lessons in avodas Hashem.

There is a mitzvah in the Torah for the Jews to have a king, as is

taught in Parshas Shoftim (17:14, see Rambam in Sefer Hamitzvos, aseh
173). There is an obligation to have tremendous awe and fear of the
king (see Rambam ibid.). The king has tremendous power, and in many
ways, is like an absolute monarch. The Rambam in the Sefer Hamitzvos
writes that Jews must listen to the orders of the king; if not, he can
decree death (so long as his orders do not contradict a mitzvah of the
220 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Torah). Let us quote some of the halachos of a Jewish king from the
Rambam’s Hilchos Melachim in the Yad Hachazakah. This will give us a
better picture of a Jewish king:

“ We need to afford the king great honor (2:1). A king is not allowed
to pass up on the honor due to him (2:3). The king takes a haircut every
single day; he dresses very nicely and wears a crown. If the king orders
someone to come to him, he must come (except for a kohen gadol).
People have to remain standing while in the presence of the king and
prostrate themselves before the king [except for a kohen gadol and
gedolei Yisroel. In general, the king is to honor lomdei Torah, Torah
scholars] (2:5).

If someone is rebellious toward the king, the king has permission to

kill him. Even if the king tells a person to go somewhere or stay home,
and he disobeys his orders, he can kill him for that.

If someone is even disrespectful to the king, he can kill him. The king
can have someone whipped or imprisoned to protect his honor (3:8).
The king has power to issue the death penalty to prevent crime and
aveiros from being committed (3:10).

The king can impose taxes and enforce them (4:1). The king can force
people to work for him (4:2). The king can forcefully take whomever
he wants as a wife (4:4). When the king travels he can knock down
anyone’s fence and travel through their fields for his convenience
(Lechem Mishneh, Melachim 5:3 - according to the Rambam he can only
do it for the purpose of w ar).‫׳׳‬

We see from these halachos the tremendous power granted to a

Jewish king. It is important to understand the Torah concept of a king
and of an ideal government. We must realize what it means to have
a country run according to all the halachos of the Torah, enforced by
T '" 'U E L F T H PRINCIPLE 221

powerful courts, controlled by a king who was nearly an absolute

monarch. With all the benefits of democracy we need to realize
that it is far from ideal, as can be seen from the halachos of a melech
Yisroel, who was at the helm of what had the potential of being the
ideal government. The Melech haMoshiach will be a king with all the
ramifications of a Jewish king. It would be very beneficial to learn to
appreciate a real monarchy to prepare for Moshiach's arrival.

Let us quote some more details from the Rambam: Much of the king’s
power was absolute and independent; however, certain aspects of his
power were dependent on the directives and agreement of the nevi’im
and the Sanhedrin. Initially, the king is appointed by the Sanhedrin (the
Beis Din of seventy one judges), and by a navi as well (Rambam, ibid.
1:3). The king’s son inherits the kingship from his father (provided that
he has yiras Shamayim, is G-d fearing) (1:7).

To wage a milchemes mitzvah, a war for the sake of a mitzvah, the

king need not ask permission from Beis Din. However for a milchemes
reshus' he does need to (5:2). The king does not have power to override
the mitzvos of the Torah, and one who is involved with a mitzvah need
not stop to carry out orders of the king (3:9). So clearly, the king’s
power is limited in some ways. However, for the most part, he is given
a tremendous amount of absolute power and authority.

The Rambam writes further (2:6): The king is required to be very

humble, merciful and caring. He is to take full responsibility for the
wellbeing of all his citizens. The king is required to act with the utmost

1. A milchemes mitzvah was a war that was commanded by Hashem. The

Rambam (5:1) writes that a milchemes mitzvah means fighting the Seven
Nations of Eretz Yisroel, Amalek, and protecting the Jews if they are attacked.
A milchemes reshus means a permissible war waged to gain land and prestige.
222 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

patience with his people. The king needs to limit his involvement in the
mundane very much and must spend his time learning Torah and taking
care of the kingdom (chap. 3:1-6).

It is the king’s role to defeat the wicked (3:10). The king is expected to
act for the sake of Heaven in everything he does. He is to rule with the
goal of spreading the truth amongst the Nation, and to get everyone
to adhere to all of the directives of the Torah. He is to fill the country
with justice and rid the world of evil (4:10).

It is not easy for us to relate to kings and monarchies, however,

learning about a Jewish king will prepare us for the imminent arrival of
the Melech HaMoshiach. In the meantime we can improve our attitude
towards accepting authority and discipline by working on listening to
the directives of the Gedolim and the rabbanim.
T '" 'U E L F T H PRINCIPLE 223

THE TWELFTH PRINCIPLE

N^ Kw I OR ROYALTY (PART TWO)

As previously stated, the twelfth ikar of emunah is to believe in the

coming of Moshiach. The Rambam adds that we need to believe that
Moshiach will be the greatest king that Klal Yisroel ever had. When
Moshiach comes (hopefully very soon), we will once again have a
Jewish monarch - a Melech Yisroel. Let us continue to broaden our
understanding of the concept of a Jewish king. This will also prepare us
for yemos haMoshiach, be'ezras Hashem.

There is a mitzvah in the Torah (Parshas Shoftim ) to appoint a Jewish

king. What is the function and purpose of a Jewish king? One important
function of a king is to instill law and order in the country. We see this
in the Mishnah in Avos (3:2) which states, “ Were it not for the fear of
the malchus - the monarchy, man would swallow his fellow man alive!”
The Maharal explains this and also gives us a deeper definition of the
function of a melech. Says the Maharal, “ A melech unites the nation as
one.” Without a kingship, every individual thinks that he is the center
of the world and that everything and everyone have to fit in with his
worldview and are for his personal benefit. The king, however, causes
all individuals to merge and unite into one unified entity.

The Sefer Hachinuch in Parshas Shoftim (mitzvah 497‫ ־‬the mitzvah of

making a king) points us in the direction of a concept he previously
explained (in mitzvah 71 - the prohibition to curse a nasi - a Jewish
224 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

leader). Let us bring some of his words. The Torah prohibits one from
cursing a king or a nasi. Explains the Chinuch, “ It is impossible for a
group of people to succeed without appointing a leader to be in charge.
This is because different people think differently, and every individual
will want to run things his way; thus, they will never agree on anything
together. This will bring about chaos and futility. Therefore they need
to join together and appoint one leader and follow his directives,
no matter what. This way they will succeed. Even if their leader will
sometimes give them bad advice, still it is far better for them to follow
one leader together. Therefore, it is very important that they all honor
their leader. Certainly they must never curse or belittle him.” From this
we see the importance of a nation having a leader who single-handedly
rules the people and guides everyone in a unified way. This is the only
way a group can succeed. This is the function of the king - to lead and
unify the nation.

It can be suggested that another important function of a king is that

his kingship conditions people to be humble, disciplined and to accept
and respect authority. These are very important character traits and
qualities.

A central function of a Jewish king is that he compels everyone to

keep the Torah (Rambam, Hilchos Melachim 4:10).

Another important function of a Jewish king is that he represents

Malchus Shamayim, the Heavenly Kingdom. He conditions people to
acting with the yoke of Majesty upon their necks, and thus they will
learn how to act as true servants and slaves to the King of All Kings -
Avinu Malkeinu. The Melech Yisroel himself is a form of representation of
Malchus Shamayim (see Mei Zahav, Parshas Shoftim from Rav Yitzchok
T '" 'U E L F T H P R IN C IP L E 225

Pinchas Goldwasser shlita, the mashgiach of Yeshivas Ohr Yisroel in Eretz

Yisroel and Re'eh Emunah from Rav Moshe Shapiro z t" l [twelfth ik a r]).

Rav Goldwasser shlita (ibid.) brings the following true anecdotes,

which occurred recently. Hopefully they will enable us relate to the
concept of royalty a little better. He writes, “ In a certain Arab country
ruled by a king, a certain Jew had a high-ranking position in the kingdom.
In fact, he was in charge of at least a thousand people. Once a year, he
would meet with the king and would be given directives for the entire
year. The last time he went to the king he was nearing retirement age.
The king asked him if he would want to retire, since he was getting
old. He answered, “ I would like to retire, but I will do whatever the
king thinks should be done.” A few hours later, the man got a frantic
phone call from someone who was close to the king. The man told him,
“You are in serious trouble. The king is so angry at you; it is even life
threatening for you. How could you say, ‘I want?’ In front of the king
there is no such thing. You were supposed to answer immediately,
‘Whatever the king wants is my pleasure and command!” The man,
realizing the danger, quickly called his son-in-law and had him go to
the Cedolei Yisroel to request their brachos, and tried doing whatever
he could. In the end, the man’s life was spared, but he was sent to
some far-away district and given an insignificant job without pay! Rav
Goldwasser heard this story from the man’s son-in-law. He concluded,
“ In front of a king we need to negate our personal interests entirely!”

Rav Goldwasser writes a second anecdote. “There is a famous ger

tzedek living in Yzfas. His name is R’ Nosson. He was a son of an African
king, from a cultured region’. He related some of the royal practices

1. H is f u l l n a m e is R a b b i N o s s o n G a m e d z e a n d h e w a s b o r n in t o t h e r o y a l
f a m ily o f S w a z ila n d .
226 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

from his father’s palace. If a person would come to meet with the king,
he would first need to stand in an outer chamber and praise the king
saying, “The powerful lion, the great s e a . . . T h e n , if the king would
usher him in, he would enter. If the king refused to meet with him,
then he was required to stay in the palace the entire day until the king
retired for the night. A person coming to the king was not allowed to
be taller than the king, often necessitating a visitor to come in on all
fours!”

Part of yearning for the Melech h a M o s h ia c h is to develop an

appreciation for malchus. Let us work to become more disciplined
and obedient and try to recognize the great benefits of malchus. Most
of all, let us increase our conviction and commitment to Hashem’s
Majesty each day. Especially when we accept upon ourselves 01 Malchus
Sham ayim , the Heavenly yoke of Hashem’s kingdom, in Kriyas Shema,
we should feel like loyal subjects of Hashem, the King of the entire
world.
T '" ' ' ? T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E 227

THE THIRTEENTH PRINCIPLE

I I vHN'NvXS 1HI
OF THE DEAD- (PART 0 \ ^ ''

Let us bring the Rambam’s thirteenth principle of em unah, found

in his peirush hamishnayos on the eleventh perek of Sanhedrin, perek
Chelek. In the words of the An! Maamin's in the siddur, which are based
on the Rambam: “ I believe with complete faith that there will be a
resurrection of the dead, whenever the Creator, may He be blessed,
decides to revive the dead. May Hashem’s Name be acknowledged
always and for eternity.”

The Rambam mentions and discusses techiyas hameisim in various

places in his seforim (see Yad Hachazaka, Hilchos Teshuva, perek 8,
Peirush Hamishnayos, introduction to perek Chelek). However, in Igros
Ve'teshuvos HaRambam (m a'am ar techiyas hameisim), the Rambam
writes that many people misunderstood his opinion about this topic.
Therefore, he wrote a whole essay to reiterate the basics of techyias
hameisim, and he added some new points too.

There the Rambam writes that there really is not much to discuss
regarding techiyas hameisim. That is, other than the fact that one day
Hashem will make a phenomenal miracle and bring the dead back to
life. In other words. He will return the neshama, soul, to the g u f, body,
and bring the person back to normal life.
228 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Many commentators on the principles of faith ask why techiyas

hameisim is an important, central and fundamental point of Judaism.
Why does it not suffice to simply know that everyone gets schar,
reward, for the good deeds they performed, even if just in the form of
the neshama receiving schar? Why is it so important to know that the
soul and body will be rejoined and receive reward in tandem?

It is the Ramban’s opinion in Sha’ar Ha'gmul (Mechon M a'arava edition

5:10) that techiyas hameisim lasts for eternity. In other words, Hashem
returns the neshama to the g u f and both exist together in Olam Haba.
Olam Haba will follow Gem Eden, Yemos HaMoshiach (the period of
Moshiach) and the yom hadin hagadol, the Great Day of Reckoning in
the future. According to this, it is easier to understand that techiyas
hameisim is an essential point of Judaism. However, according to the
Rambam (Yad Hachazaka, Hilchos Teshuva 8:2), Olam Haba is just for
the neshama, and the g u f w on’t exist there. This means that techiyas
hameisim - when the body and soul are reunited - is just a temporary
phase’ according to the Rambam, to be followed by Olam Haba, which
is for the soul exclusively. Therefore, why does it deserve being one of
the thirteen principles of Judaism?

1. A c c o rd in g to th e R am bam , th e place w h e re m a n ’ s nesham ah ( n o t th e

b o d y ) g o e s a fte r le a v in g th is w o rld is re fe rre d to as Olam Haba. The n e x t
phase is techiyas hameisim, w h e n th e neshama is re tu rn e d to th e b o d y, and
m a n re su m es n o rm a l p hysical life . Then m an dies again, and his neshama
a lo n e re tu rn s to Olam Haba f o r e te rn ity . Gan Eden re fe rs to a life o f p lea su re
in th is physica l w o rld , w h ic h w ill ta k e place d u rin g Yemos HaMoshiach, th e
era o f M o sh ia ch , o r d u rin g th e p e rio d o f Techiyas Hameisim (as q u o te d by th e
R am ban - ib id . 5:12).
T '" ' ' ? T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E 229

The Rambam himself answers this question in m am ’ar techiyas

hameisim: He writes that emunah in techiyas ham eisim is the key to belief
in miracles in general. A Jew must know and understand that Hashem
can perform, did perform and still does perform miracles. He runs our
world with many supernatural phenomena. One who, Heaven forbid,
has trouble relating to techiyas hameisim, will not be able to believe in
miracles in general, and will come to deny that Hashem created the
world out of nothingness, chas ve'shalom ! Therefore, belief in techiyas
hameisim is an essential fundamental of Judaism.

However, the question is why the miracle of techiyas hameisim are

chosen as an ika r of our faith over all the other famous miracles which
Hashem performed for the Jews, like the wonders of the m akkos in
M itzrayim for example?

Perhaps we can suggest the following: First of all, techiyas hameisim

expresses the belief that in the future Hashem will also make miracles,
and that Hashem’s miracles are not just something of the past.
Furthermore, this highlights a very important aspect of reality, i.e. - the
spiritual existence of the neshama. Plus, it shows that Hashem is not
only able to take life - as was demonstrated by makkas bechoros, but
He can also give life to the dead and revive them. This demonstrates
Hashem’s complete control over life and over the neshama - the ability
to return the neshama to the g u f even after it was taken out of the g u f.

In fact, every day we make a special, detailed mention of this, which

we can use as an opportunity to think about Hashem’s miracles in
general. Upon arising in the morning we recite, “ Elokai, neshama
shenasatah bi, my G-d, the soul which You placed inside of me ... Atah
berasah, You created it ... v’Atah mishamra b'kirbi, and You guard it
within me, v'Atah asid litlah mimeni u’lihachzirah bi I'asid I'avo, and in
230 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

the future You will take it back from me and then return it to me in
The World to Come ... Adon kol haneshamas, Master of all the souls,
Baruch Atah Hashem hamachazir neshamos lifg a rim meisim, Blessed are
You Hashem, who returns the souls to lifeless bodies.”

The miracles of M itzrayim mostly demonstrated Hashem’s complete

control over nature, whereas techiyas hameisim shows Hashem’s
control over a person’s neshama. To be able to bring the dead back to
life emphasizes that the real life power is ruchnius - the neshama, and
it is completely in Hashem’s Hands. The more we think about this, the
more we can gain awareness of our neshama.

Included in this principle is to realize that the neshama, the real “ me,”
the real personality, the thinking, feeling “ m e,” the part of me that
experiences pain and pleasure - always lives on. As Rav Yisroel Salanter
writes that the g u f is like a coat for the neshamah^. The “ real self,” the
“ m e,” that thinks and feels, will always exist, and I personally will deal
with all the consequences of my actions in this world, in the afterlife.

Let us contemplate this well. Spirituality is very, very real. The

Rambam stresses how ruchniyus is truly much more real than gashmius,
physicality, but many people have trouble understanding this (see
M a'm ar Techiyas Hameisim). Hashem made many miracles in the past,
up until our present day. By reading true stories about miracles we can
strengthen this foundation of emunah, the concept of belief in techiyas
hameisim and miracles in general. Hence we will also be better able
to understand the important concept of creation that we mention
in tefiUah - “ hamechadesh b 'tu vo b'chol yom tam id maasei bereishis,
[Hashem did not just create the world purely out of His desire to

2. See Sefer Ohr Yisroel, le tte r 6, (p a g e 118 in th e Rav W e issb iu m e d itio n );

Kochvei Ohr, (R av B la zer) os 53.
T '" ' ' ? T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E 231

so; in fact,] He recreates, out of His goodness, every single day, and
constantly, the acts of creation.”
232 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

THE THIRTEENTH PRINCIPLE

I I vHN'NvXS 1HI
OF THE DEAD ‫( ־‬PART T W O )

Harav Shmuel Berenbaum zt”l was once walking with a student in

between the tall buildings and skyscrapers in Manhattan. His talm id
saw him chuckle to himself and wondered aloud what was amusing
him suddenly. Rav Shmuel told him, “Zes meinen es a f an ernes - they
mean it for real. They take this world seriously, is it not funny?”

As the final principle of Judaism, the Rambam lists that one is

obligated to believe in techiyas hameisim - the resurrection of the
dead. A Jew must know and believe that besides for the reward for
all mitzvos performed, and besides for the glorious time of the days
of M oshiach and Olam Haba, there is also a phase of techiyas hameisim.

Now the truth is that according to the Rambam, the fundamental of

techiyas hameisim does not necessarily include the belief in Olam Haba.
In fact, the Rambam only mentions Olam Haba in the principle of schar
v'onesh, not in the principle of techiyas hameisim.

Furthermore, according to the Rambam, techiyas hameisim is only

a temporary stage and not a part of Olam Haba (M a'am ar Techiyas
Hameisim). According to the Ramban (Sha’ar Hag'mul Mechon Ma'arava,
edition 5:10) however, techiyas hameisim is the entry into Olam Haba,
and it is a state that remains for eternity. According to his opinion, after
T '" ' ' ?TEENTH PRINCIPLE 233

the techiya, both the g u f and the neshama enjoy Olam Haba together.
Therefore, it is part of the general discussion of techiyas ham eisim to
also explain and understand the topic of Olam Haba.

But it can also be understood according to the Rambam’s perspective

that there is a common theme in the two concepts of techiyas hameisim
and Olam Haba. This is as the Rambam' stresses that techiyas hameisim
is only for a righteous person, who is considered “ alive” even after
death, as opposed to a rasha who is, in a sense, “ dead” even while
alive. We can explain that this hints at the essence of techiyas hameisim
- to be truly alive, meaning connected to the source of life - Hashem;
such a life continues for eternity. So too, Olam Haba, the eternal world,
is also a state of being truly “ alive,” meaning, connected to the source
of life by means of the mitzvos. This especially applies to the mitzvah
of Torah study, as the Gemara (Kesubos m b ) writes that to merit
techiyas hameisim, one must possess the merit of lim ud Torah, or at
least some connection to it. This is probably also true for Olam Haba,
even according to the Rambam, who says that Olam Haba is just for the
neshama and not for the guf.

The Mesillas Yesharim writes (first perek) that Olam Haba is the great
goal of man’s life. He writes that a person was created solely to have
pleasure in the company of Hashem, and to bask in the light of His Divine
Presence (Shechinah). This is the true and greatest delight and pleasure
which is possible to experience (ta ’anug ha'am iti - idun hagadol). The
place where this ultimate pleasure exists is only in Olam Haba - the
World to Come. As the mishna (Avos 4:21) teaches, “This world is a
lobby for the World to Come.” The Gemara in Eruvin (22a) teaches.

1. In th e in tro d u c tio n to his c o m m e n ta ry on M ishnayos S anhedrin p e re k

Chelek.
234 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

“Today is for actions (olam hazeh) and tomorrow is for reward (Olam
Haba).” In other words, olam hazeh is not the “ real world”; rather it is
a world of preparation and a time for investment. The “ real world” is
Olam Haba.

Before we discuss Olam Haba, it’s important to clarify something.

There is a difference between Can Eden - the olam ha'nesham os, and
Olam Haba (see Ramban's Shaar Hag’mul 5:5, which stresses this point).
We sometimes refer to Can Eden as Olam Haba (perhaps this is based
on the opinion of the Rambam, who posits this way to some extent).
However the Ramban writes (ibid. 5:5 and 4:2) that the standard
usage of the term Olam Haba is not in reference to Can Eden. Can Eden
is the place where the neshama goes after man passes away. Olam
Haba, however, is the special period after yemos haMoshiach, techiyas
hameisim and the yom hadin hagadol. (Most people also need some
cleansing in gehinom before they can enter Can Eden.)

The Ritva at the end of Tannis and in Rosh Hashana (16b) points out
that there will be more than one techiyas hameisim. Those who waited
and hoped for Moshiach's arrival will have a special techiya, which
will enable them to enjoy the days of Moshiach. Everyone else will be
part of the general techiyas hameisim after yemos haMoshiach. They
will experience the yom hadin hagadol and Olam Haba. Some great
tzaddikim will even have a techiya in Gan Eden.

One of the important lessons of Olam Haba is to develop the mindset

that this world is a time for investments. The more we can understand
this and live this way, the more we will utilize our opportunities correctly.
Also, with this attitude, we won’t be frustrated and disappointed
whenever things seem not to go our way. Just like a businessman will
invest a lot of money and then live frugally until it pays off, so too, many
T '" ' ' ?TEENTH PRINCIPLE 235

kollel members are proud to invest their time, talents and energy to
make the most of their opportunities. There is no greater investment,
as the mishna writes ashrecha b'olam hazeh v 'to v lach leOlam Haba. They
are an inspiration and example for everyone to make the most out of
life. It is also a great inspiration to see the many Jew s who choose to
make the truly profitable investment, investing much of their time
into chinuch, kiruv, chessed and other work on behalf of the Jewish
community, sometimes even making it their life’s mission.

Imagine a fundraiser going to raise money for his yeshiva. He is

buckling under a million dollar debt and needs to finish an already half-
built building. He is desperate for very significant help. He comes into a
wealthy baa! tzedaka’s home and is waiting in the waiting room, which
is packed to capacity. Suddenly out comes the rich man, and as soon as
he sees this fundraiser, he starts yelling at him, “You ganef, you liar, get
out of my house right now!” The man is extremely embarrassed and he
wishes he could bury himself on the spot. Then the wealthy man pulls
him into his study and suddenly - his whole demeanor changes! “ Oh, I
am so sorry, I mixed you up with someone else. I feel so bad; here is a
check for one million dollars. Furthermore, I pledge to give you $36,000
every year from now on.” Imagine the feelings of the fundraiser. The
embarrassment is long forgotten; it’s nothing compared to his great
fortune. The more we contemplate the schar of Olam Haba, the pleasure
for eternity, the more we will realize how all the pains we may suffer in
this world are really nothing in comparison.

The Orchos Tzaddikim (shaar ha^slmcha) writes that one of the

reasons that we should enjoy ourselves on Shabbos with good food
and happiness is to give ourselves a mashal, an allegory, for what Olam
Haba will be like. As we enjoy ourselves, we should think about Olam
236 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Haba, which is a place of eternal pleasure. This will help us focus, dream,
plan and invest in our Olam Haba.
T '" ' ' ? T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E 237

T H E T H IR T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E

OLAM HABA AMB TECHIYAS HAmEISIM, THE

RE¥I¥AL OF THE DEAD ‫( ־‬PART THREE)

It is important to have clarity about the order of events after olam

hazeh. Let us attempt, be’ezras Hashem, to shed some light on this
matter and describe the sequence of events based on the opinion of
the Ramban in his sefer Shaar Ha'gmul, which discusses these matters
at length. Let us start with a more general picture of it and then we will
mention some sources for these ideas.

The first phase is olam hazeh, the world in which we live now. This
world was created by Hashem 5,777 years ago. We experience this
world as a guf, a physical body, together with a neshama, a soul, as
is well known. This world will not exist for longer than 6,000 years
(Gemara, Sanhedrin 97a).

In this world there are various periods of time. The first period began
with Adam Harishon. Then came Noach’s time, and then Avraham
Avinu’s. Avraham was the first Jew and the father of Klal Yisrael.

Then came the slavery in Mitzrayim, which lasted about 200 years,
followed by yetzias Mitzrayim, the exodus from Egypt. After this was
matan Torah, which took place approximately 3,300 years ago. This was
the period of Moshe Rabbeinu and the Dor Hamidbar, the generation
that sojourned the wilderness.
238 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Following that were the nevi’im, prophets, Jewish kings and the Beis
Hamikdash in Eretz Yisroel. This all took place in a time-span of about
1,500 years. After that the Gemara was written. This took place around
1,600 years ago.

The past 2,000 years have been a period of churban Beis Hamikdash
and galus, due to our sins. On the other hand, it is an opportunity to
perfect ourselves and come closer to Hashem. This is just a basic and
short description of olam hazeh. Olam hazeh carries on and includes the
yemos haMoshiach, may they start speedily in our time (hopefully by
the time you are reading this, moshiach will have already come).

The second phase in our journey to eternal perfection is called the

olam ha'neshamos, where the nesahama resides after an individual
passes away. There is a Can Eden for reward and pleasure and
Cehinom for punishment and cleansing. In most cases, Cehinom must
be experienced before a soul merits entering Can Eden. Imagine the
millions of Jews that are enjoying the bliss of Can Eden over the past
few thousand years, some of them over 5,550 years already!

The next phase is yemos haMoshiach. Moshiach will reveal himself,

and we will enter a glorious era when Hashem’s glory, and that of
His beloved nation Klal Yisroel, will be apparent to all. This period is
included in the 6,000 years of our world. Since it is now around year
5,800 from the creation of the world, if Moshiach will come now (as we
assume and hope), we will have around 200 years of yemos haMoshiach
(Sanhedrin 97b).

The Ritva (end of Ta’anis) writes that during this time period of
Moshiach, techiyas hameisim will be experienced byall those who looked
forward to Moshiach's arrival. After yemos haMoshiach there will be a
general techiyas hameisim for everybody else. All the people who died
T '" ' ' ? T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E 239

throughout history will come back to life and rise from their graves.
Then there will be a yom hadin hagadol - a great day of judgment, when
Hashem will judge everyone. Some will unfortunately be convicted for
eternal punishment, whereas others will be allotted eternal joy and
pleasure. They will be afforded the opportunity to bask in the Presence
of Hashem, which is the greatest pleasure and the highest form of
fulfillment and achievement (see Daniel 12:2).

The next and final phase is Olam Haba, otherwise known as nitzchiyus
- eternity, which is the place where man receives the main schar
(reward) for all of his Torah and mitzvah performance. This phase
is the main purpose of the world and our lives; everything else is a
preparation for this glorious time. Can Eden is just a temporary schar,
but the real, lasting and eternal schar is Olam Haba, following the days
of Moshiach. Olam Haba itself is described by the Ramchal as having
four phases: the seventh millennium, the eighth millennium, the ninth
millennium, and the tenth millennium. The tenth millennium then leads
into netzach netzachim - eternity.

It can be said that there are seven stages in our journey through
“ life” : 1) olam hazeh; 2) olam haneshamos - Can Eden and Cehinom; 3)
yemos haMoshiach; 4) either the first or second techiyas hameisim; 5)
yom hadin; and 6) Olam Haba.

Now, be’ezras Hashem, let us bring some sources for our discussion.
The Gemara in Sanhedrin 97a (at the bottom of the page) teaches: “ Rav
Katina says: the world will last for just 6,000 years.” This means that
the amount of time spanning from creation until the end of Moshiach's
days will be 6000 years. Afterwards, there will be a thousand years
of “ charuv," which means “ a state of destruction” (our chachamim
explain this to mean that physicality won’t play an important role in
240 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

the world - Sefer Sifsei Chaim (Emunah U'Bechira volume two, page
226). The Gemara continues, “ The world is to last for 6,000 years. The
first 2,000 years are termed tohu - empty and lacking. This time period
lasted from creation until Avraham Avinu was 52 years old. The second
2,000 years are called a time of Torah (Of course, there is an ongoing
obligation to study Torah and observe the mitzvos. But in galus the
Torah is not fully accessible, since many layers of it are concealed due
to the impurities that abound. Therefore, the title of the “ time of
Torah” is limited to those 2000 years alone - Maharsha). The final two
thousand years are called ''yemos haMoshiach - the days of Moshiach.”
Unfortunately, due to our sins, a portion of these years have passed
already without us meriting the arrival of Moshiach. We see from here
that the days of Moshiach are within the 6,000 years of this world.

The Ramban in Shaar Ha'gmuP proves that if a person’s soul needs

cleansing, it descends to Cehinom right after he dies. Amongst his
sources are the mishna in Edius (2:10) which states that Cehinom lasts
for twelve months. He also cites the Gemara in Kiddushin (31b), which
says that for twelve months after a person’s father passes away, when
quoting him he adds, “ May I suffer on his behalf, instead of him.”
However, after twelve months, this practice is discontinued, and instead
he says, “ Zichrono I’chayei haOlam Haba, He should be remembered
for life in the World to Come.” This is because wicked Jews only suffer
twelve months in Cehinom. The Ramban also brings sources to show
that a person, if deserving, goes to Gan Eden right after he passes away
(Machon Ma'arava 4:2; Chazon Yoel page 316). He brings many sources
that say that Can Eden takes place the same time that Cehenom does

1. Chapter 3, 2 in the Machon Ma’arava edition; pg. 258 in the C hazon Yoel
edition.
T '" ' ' ? T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E 241

- following the person’s petirah. He also brings a Gemara in Temurah

(16a) that clearly alludes to this fact, stating, “ When Moshe Rabbeinu
was niftar (passed away) to go to Gan Eden... ” We see, therefore, that
immediately after he left the world, he entered Gan Eden.

Regarding yemos haMoshiach, we brought the Gemara in Sanhedrin

97a which teaches that it is part of the 6,000 years of olam hazeh.

Regarding techiyas hameisim, the Ritva (ibid.) writes as follows: The

Gemara states there that if one transgresses by feasting on Tisha B'av,
about him it is written, “ His sin will be on his bones.” The Ritva explains
this to mean that he will not merit the special techiya that will be for
those who wanted Moshiach to come and awaited his arrival; therefore,
he will not have techiyas hameisim during the time of the rebuilding of
the Beis Hamikdash. However, this person can still merit being brought
back to life in the general techiyas hameisim (which takes place before
the yom hadin hagadol, after yemos haMoshiach, prior to Olam Haba).

In Rosh Hashana (16b), the Ritva cites the pasuk in Daniel (12:2),
which describes techiyas hameisim: “ Many of those sleeping
in the ground will awaken, some for chayai olam - eternal life,
and others for eternal humiliation (Tcharafos Tdiron olam) (see
Metzudos and the other meforshim).” The Ritva asks why it says,
“ Many of those sleeping... will awaken” - won’t everyone awaken
for the final judgment? The answer, he explains, is that there are three
different techiyos: The first is for the Avos, the nevi'im and the gedolei
chasidei Yisroel, who have already merited being brought back to life,
together with their bodies in Can Eden. The second techiya will be during
the days of Moshiach (or right before - see Rambam, M a’amar Techiyas
Hameisim) for tzaddikei Yisroel who passed away during the galus. The
third techiyah will be before the yom hadin hagadol. This techiya will be
242 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

for everybody; some will be rewarded and others will be revived and
punished^

Regarding the yom hadin hagadol, the Ramban in Shaar Ha’gmul

(Machon Ma'arava 3:5; Chazon Yoel page 286) writes as follows: There
are three times of judgment for every person. One is on Rosh Hashana
every year, when there is judgment for matters of olam hazeh. The
second category of judgment that everybody undergoes is when
they are niftar - on the day they die. This is for the schar v'onesh of
the neshama in Cehinom and Can Eden. The third day of judgment will
be in the beginning of techiyas hameisim. This judgment concerns the
reward in Olam Haba - netzach nitzachim (eternity). The Ramban brings
various sources regarding the yom hadin hagadol, which precedes Olam
Haba.

Regarding the phase of Olam Haba, the Gemara in Sanhedrin (97a)

writes that after the 6,000 years of olam hazeh there will be 1,000 years
called charuv, meaning a certain sense of destruction. The Ramchal
in Da'as Tevunos introduces the different phases of Olam Haba and
discusses the phases of the world in general. Rav Chaim Friedlander
elaborates on his words (see Da'as Tevunos, Rav Friedlander edition,
pg. 82, paragraph 92). He writes, “ Generally speaking, there are three
phases in the world. They are: 1) the 6,000 years of our present world,
2) elef hashvi'i - the seventh millennium, and 3) chiddush ha'olam, the
renewal of the world. Rav Friedlander points out, based on a different
teaching of the Ramchal, that Olam Haba can be broken up into different
parts, each one termed elef - a thousand years. These are the seventh

2. See additional sources about multiple techiyos in Tanna D'bei Eliyahu 31:36
and Teshuvos Ridvaz, chelek 3, elef 69.
T '" ' ' ? T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E 243

elef, the eighth and ninth e/ef, and the tenth and final elef, which is
already the start of nitzchiyus - eternity.

We call the seventh e le f “ charuv” to hint that the body is somewhat

“ destroyed/‫ ׳‬since a person starts to gradually become more spiritual
and less physically inclined. From elef hashmini onwards the state is
called chiddush ha'alom. Hashem will renew the world to a new type of
existence. May we all merit striving for chayai olam , to rise above this
mundane world and be close with Hashem for eternity.
244 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

T H E T H IR T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E

I I vHN'NvXS 1HI
01 \ 0 ^OUR)

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to rethink the

things we already know from our childhood and younger years (Chovos
Halevovos, Alter M ’Kelm). We will be surprised and shocked at how our
picture of certain fundamental ideas and our knowledge of various
important items is exactly the way we understood them as children
five or six years of age!

Let me share an observation regarding this. I asked someone the

following question: At techiyas hameisim will people be able to get
back their houses and bank accounts? Imagine that a person bought a
new apartment or house for half a million dollars. Shortly afterwards he
passed away, and his nephew inherited his house. When he comes back
to life, is he entitled, according to halacha, to get his house back? I was
greeted by a blank and somewhat bewildered look for asking this. As if
to say what do you mean - who will need a house by techiyas hameisim
anyway? We need to internalize that fact that techiyas hameisim means
to come back to life - simply put.

Rav Shlomo Levenstein (U'masok Ha'or, Chanuka, volume 2, page 28)

in a speech given to women, describes what techiyas hameisim will
look like. He depicts a scene of how his grandparents, whom he had
not seen since they were niftar twenty years beforehand, called him
T '" ' ' ? T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E 245

up. Of course he was shocked. They asked to come over to visit, and
a short time later they arrived, and they had a beautiful reunion. Later
on, the phone rang again and it was his good friend Yaakov; he was
calling to invite him to come with him to a shiur given by none other
than Rashi. He asked his friend to repeat what he had said because he
didn’t think that he had heard correctly! His friend said that it really
is Rashi who will be giving the shiur, and the shiur is being held down
the block from where the Rambam is staying! When he went outside
he saw that there were signs for buses travelling to Chevron to visit
Avraham Avinu and Sara Imeinu. He started thinking about how he
would present himself to them. Would he say, “ Hello Bubby, here I
am. I waited all these years; the galus was so long and hard . . . ” On
second thought, he wondered if they would really be proud of him -
is this the grandchild that they envisioned and wished to reap nachas
from? Do we presently act and dress in a way that will make our
ancestors happy to see us? Such thoughts are very important to develop
a real picture of Olam Haba and techiyas hameisim in our minds. Rav
Avigdor Miller zt” l lived with a constant vision of Olam Haba. In fact,
the realness of Olam Haba was even more true to him than olam hazeh
(cited from his biography, written by R’ Hamburger, 2016, pg. 278)’.

Another observation: While sitting together at the Shabbos table, my

seven year old daughter asked me how old a person will be when he is

1. Incidentally, w e cannot really have any true vision of what t e c h i y a s h a m e i s i m

will be like. Keep in m in d that the Arizal teac h e s that each person will be
comprised of all the various gilgulim he ever was. Combined of the best part
of each gilgul! Everything will be the m ost wonderful gift b e sto w e d upon us by
Hashem, but it will not be as simple as many believe it to be. However visualizing
different possible pictures of what it will be like will at least serve as a m a s h a l, an
illustration, which will make it much m o re real to us.
246 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

revived in techiyas hameisim - will he be a baby or an adult? I had never

thought about this question before, because I never thought about
techiyas hameisim vividly enough.

What is the purpose of techiyas hameisim? Why can’t the schar that
the neshama receives be enough? What makes techiyas hameisim so
important that it’s one of the thirteen principles of emunah, especially
considering the fact that according to the Rambam it’s only a temporary
phase and not the actual Olam Haba? I asked a few people why techiyas
hameisim is such an important part of Judaism. (It took some time
until they realized that I was asking about techiyas hameisim and not
Olam Haba - nitzchiyus, eternity). Some people suggested that if only
our neshamos received reward it would be hard to relate to it and be
motivated by it. Therefore Hashem decided that a portion of our future
schar would be received together with our bodies in a natural world.
This way we will be able to imagine it and relate to it.

Harav Moshe Shapiro zt” l, based on the teaching of the Leshem (see
Re’eh Emunah, techiyas hameisim), writes how if we look back from the
beginning of history until today, the Jews never really made it. Any time
we got close to a successful situation, we very soon lost it again. It can
seem, chas ve'shalom, that Hashem’s plan to reveal kvod Shamayim and
knowledge of His existence, never came to fruition. But it is impossible
that Hashem created the world to be a place full of challenges, without
completion. The answer to this is techiyas hameisim. The ultimate
purpose of this world will be reached in the era of techiyas hameisim.
The whole world will be renewed; every aspect of the vast creation of
Hashem will once again be full of vitality and will announce to all the
glory of Hashem, the Creator and Controller of the world. There will
come a time when even the ignorant Jew and gentile will recognize the
greatness of Hashem, Klal Yisroel, and the world. So too, every tzaddik.
T '" ' ' ? T E E N T H P R IN C IP L E 247

according to his level, will achieve tremendous understanding of the

glory and purpose of Hashem’s world.

The Rambam himself in Ma^amar Techiyas Hameisim writes that

the importance of belief in techiyas hameisim is that it is the key to
believing in miracles in general. Belief in miracles is the key to belief in
chiddush ha'alom - Hashem’s creating the world out of nothing, as well
as emunah in Hashem’s existence.

Rav Yoel Sperka, in his commentary on the Ramban’s Shaar Ha'gmul,

Chazon Yoel, brings various approaches which explain this matter (pg.
490). Based on the Sefer Ha'ikrim (4:30), he writes that one of the
purposes of techiyas hameisim is to publicize emunah and the miracles
of Hashem. We can explain this to mean that the amazing miracle of
techiyas hameisim itself certainly demonstrates the amazing power
and ability of Hashem. Hashem will miraculously recreate the bodies
of people which have already decomposed and scattered out into tiny
particles. Then we will also be able to believe in all types of miracles
and revelations of emunah that will be within man’s grasp during the
days following techiyas hameisim. Even the Rambam, who holds that
people will die again after techiyas hameisim, agrees that people will
first live an unusually long amount of time. During this time there will
be a tremendous opportunity to grow in emunah.

Another major benefit of these days is that they will offer man the
opportunity to complete the whole spectrum of Torah and mitzvos,
which was difficult or impossible to accomplish during galus. After
these years of achieving shleimus, perfecting ourselves, a person’s
entire Olam Haba will be vastly enhanced (based on the Sefer Ha'ikrim,
ibid.).
248 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

Another benefit of these days is that since a person suffered during

his life due to the pangs of galus, now, after techiyas hameisim, he can
enjoy this world without worry, pain and limits. We can apply the pasuk
(Tehillim 90:15) ‘‘Samcheinu k'ymos inysanu” - we ask of Hashem to
please give us happiness, at least equal to the amount of suffering we
endured in galus. We can add that the more a person enjoys Hashem’s
bounty in this world, the more it will obviously help him develop ahavas
Hashem (ibid.).

Rav Sperka suggests an additional reason based on the Gemara in

Sanhedrin (91a), why techiyas hameisim is a prerequisite for the yom
hadin hagadol - the final day of judgment preceding Olam Haba. For a
person to properly be judged, the guf and neshama need to be rejoined;
this way neither one can shift the blame to the other one. The Gemara
compares this to a lame man riding on the shoulders of a blind man,
the two of them conspiring as one to steal some luscious fruit from a
tall tree. When, subsequently, the two were individually accused of the
theft, each of them denied the possibility of their having stolen, due
to their handicaps. The angry owner placed the lame man on the blind
man’s shoulders and punished them together, as one unit.

Included in the aforementioned reason, that the period of techiyas

hameisim will be a time to complete the whole gamut of mitzvos, is to
experience the spiritually uplifting aura of the Beis Hamikdash. Once
again, we will stream to the Beis Hamikdash and see the kohanim and
levi'im, the korbonos and the simchas beis hashoeva. This will greatly
enhance our level and understanding of the great glory of Hashem for
all eternity.
A p p e n d ix 249

A p p e n d ix
R A ¥ A W IG D O R M I L L E R 'S D E F IN IT IO N
O F E M U N .A H ‫ ־‬PART O N I

What is the definition of the mitzvah of em unah, and what does the
word em unah mean?

The popular definition for the word and mitzvah of emunah is “ belief.”
This means to become convinced of the truths of the existence of
Hashem, the Divine origin of the Torah, and of the fundamentals of
em unah.

However, this definition presents us with many difficulties. Rav Miller

zt” / asked:

1. How can there be such a mitzvah if m any people are not capable of
researching the facts that substantiate our faith?

2. Furthermore, for those who can prove emunah intellectually, it is

so obvious and simple. It doesn't make sense that it would be a
mitzvah to verify the proofs of our faith.

3• Furthermore, how can there be reward and punishment for belief?

It is not something that one can choose by using his free-will. If
someone is not convinced of the truth of our faith, how can he be
commanded to believe? He is simply not convinced of its truth, so
how can he be taken to task for such a thing?
250 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

4. How can we praise a ma'amin as being virtuous for believing?

Believing cannot be a barometer of virtue, because if you are a
scholar, it's so easy to believe, and if you believe in your parents
and nation's traditions, it's so easy and expected. But if you are
not a scholar, and you don't have a tradition, you can't be blamed
for not believing. It seems that for most people, not believing is
outright wickedness, so how can belief be a virtue?

Rav Millergoes on to enlighten us with a novel approach to explain the

mitzvah and word of emunah, and goes on to prove it from numerous
sources, in addition to all of the aforementioned questions, which all
point to a new approach.

Emunah does not mean “ belief” - that is only a secondary translation

of the word. The primary meaning of the word emunah is “ loyalty” -
remaining steadfast and staying where you are.

This is as we find by the war with Amalek after yetzias Mitzrayim.

Moshe Rabbeinu lifted up his hands, and stones were placed beneath
them to be able to keep them upraised until nightfall. The pasuk says
(Beshalach 17:12), “ Vyehi yadav emunah ad bo hashamesh." We see from
here that emunah cannot mean “ belief” - hands don’t believe, it must
mean “ steadfastness.” So we see emunah means to remain steadfast,
which would also mean “ loyalty,” because loyalty means to stay
steadfast to your nation’s traditions and to your principles - loyalty to
your people is the true definition of the word and mitzvah of emunah.

In lyov (39:24) the pasuk describes a war horse - a horse that has
been trained to charge at the sound of the trumpets. The pasuk says,
“ V'lo ya'amin (‫ )יאמין‬ki kol shofar - when the trumpet blows he cannot
stand still.” Ya'amin must be translated as to stay where you are.
A p p e n d ix 251

Amein sometimes means true, but many times it means “ may it be

so,” “ it should stand so,” and the word amein has the same root as the
word e m u n a h ' (‫)אמן־אמונה‬.

When Mordechai was raising his niece Esther (also called Hadassah),
the pasuk says, “ V’yehi o'm ein (‫ )אומן‬es Hadassah” , meaning that he was
“ training” her. Why do we use the word o'mein for this (which also has
the same root as emunah)? The answer is that when you train someone,
you are instilling in them a set of characteristics or practices that will
remain with them forever. The person becomes set in a certain way.

An u'man is a master craftsman. He is called u'man (which is the same

as the word emunah), because his hands are already set in certain
muscular behavior patterns.

Ernes (‫ )אמת‬is from the word a’mein (which is the same as emunah). It
means something that stands. Ernes means v'yatzev - what stands. Like
the gemara states, “ Kushta kai - the truth will stand.” What is “ true” ?
Something that will always be - that is truth. To translate ernes as true,
as opposed to “ false,” is really only a secondary meaning.

That is also the proper translation of the word emunah in the pasuk
in Tehillim (119:90), “ L'dor v'dor emunasecha - from generation to

1. O n a d if f e r e n t o c c a s io n , R av M ille r s a id t h a t a m e in p r im a r ily m e a n s “ t h a t ’s i t ”
“ i.e ., i t w ill re m a in t h a t w a y f o r e v e r a f t e r . L ik e w h e n w e sa y H a m e le c h Hakadosh,
i t c a n n o t m e a n “ so it s h o u ld b e s o .” I t m u s t m e a n “ t h a t ’s s o ,” “ t h a t ’ s t r u e , ” “ it is

s o ,” “ it w ill b e so f o r e v e r , ” “ it a lw a y s w a s s o ,” a n d “ it w ill a lw a y s b e s o .” It w o u ld
s e e m t h a t R av M ille r e x p la in e d th is p o in t in t w o d if f e r e n t w a y s o n d if f e r e n t
o c c a s io n s , b u t it s e e m s t h a t w h a t e v e r t r a n s la t io n y o u g iv e , it c o u ld s till im p ly a
s im ila r m e a n in g t o o u r d e f in it io n o f e m u n a h .

S o m e tim e s a m e in m e a n s “ t h a t ’ s i t , ” “ it w ill r e m a in t h a t w a y ,” a n d s o m e tim e s i t

m e a n s “ t h a t ’s t r u e , ” b e c a u s e w h a t e v e r is t r u e e n d u re s , u n lik e fa d s w h ic h a re n o t

t r u t h a n d t h e r e f o r e d o n o t e n d u re .
252 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

generation is Your steadfastness,” meaning, you gave Your word when

You created the world.

The word emunah also comes from the word ne’eman, which means
“ loyalty.”

When Hakadosh Baruch Hu promised Avraham Avinu that the land of

Eretz Cana'an will be given to him, it says, “ V'heemin baShem - Avram
believed in Hashem.” The word ‘believe’ is not the correct meaning
over here; rather, it means, he persisted in believing in Hashem. He
always persisted in his loyalty, even though he never saw this promise
fulfilledT

Furthermore, it cannot mean “ believe,” because the pasuk there says,

“ V'yamin baShem - he believed in Hashem, vayachshaveha 10 tzedaka -
and Hashem considered it a righteousness for him.” Now what’s the
greatness here? If Hashem tells you something, of course you believe
it! Furthermore, of course Avraham was a believer. Rather, it really
means that he always remained loyal to that principal.

So we see from all this that the mitzvah and the definition of the word
emunah is not belief - it is loyalty. To be loyal to your nation - loyal to
its customs and to your family’s customs; loyal to the Torah; loyal to the
principles that you know. Now of course it’s good to become convinced
of the truths about Hashem and the Torah if you can, and it is very
important to do that - but that is not emunah - emunah is to remain
steadfast, to love your people and be loyal to them! This is certainly a
freewill decision. It is constant work and something that everyone can
do. This is the great mitzvah of emunah.

2. tape 22, minute 45.

R A V A V IG D O R M IL L E R 'S D E F IN IT IO N O F E M U N A H 253

RA¥ A¥IGDOR MILLER‫׳‬S

DEFINITION OF EMUNAH

Rav Miller zt” l gives a novel explanation for the mitzvah of emunah
[tape E-96, minute 38]. The first of the Aseres Hadibros is Anochi Hashem
Elokecha - what does Anochi mean? The Rambam writes that this
commandment is leida v'leha'amin - two things: Leida - to know, and
leha'amin - to believe. Leida does not merely mean to know, everyone
knows that Hashem exists and took us out of Mitzrayim. Leida means to
acquire da'as. How do you get da’as? There are a number of ways. One
is what you call emunah peshuta. You listen to your father and mother;
you listen to your rebbe; you learn from the Chumash, and you get the
yedios - the information. Then you put it into your head, and you think
about it, as the pasuk says, “ Z/chru nifiaosav asher asah - remember the
wonders that Hashem did.” You try to remember it; you think about
it often; and then little by little your mind becomes full of emunah -
emunah peshuta, a very strong loyalty to Hashem.

There is another emunah which you get by means of seichel -

intellect. You look and you see the wonderful things in the world. If
you contemplate the wonderful orange for example, you cannot
help but realize the chochmas haBorei - the wondrous wisdom of the
Creator. The only way to explain such phenomena is to say that there is
a Creator, and He is still around. That is leida. You can know that there
254 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

is a borei, and not just a borei - a Creator. You can also know that He
is gadol - great, gibbor - strong, norah - awesome, chachom - wise
and oseh chessed - kindly and benevolent. “ Chofetz chessed hu - He
desires to do kindliness, yoducha Hashem kol ma'ashecha - ail of Your
works praise You, kvod malchuscha yomeiru - to speak of the glory of
Your kingdom.” For what purpose? “ L'hodiah livnei adam gevurosov -
to make known, to give da'as to people of the mightiness of Hashem.”

That’s one of the two ways of leida. One leida is to accept what you
are told by your parents and what you learned in the Chumash, which is
emunah peshuta. It is very important - you need to put it into your blood.
Make sure to talk to your children about it - train them to understand
it. The other way is to gain from your own ideas - what you see in the
world. That’s leida. Now what does I’ha’amin mean? L’ha’amin means
something entirely different. It means to remain loyal - to stick by it
always. Emunah does not mean to believe, it means to be loyal - to
stick by it.

Once you understand the great truth of Hashem hu haElokIm, which

you were taught by your parents and your rebbe, and you learned it
from nature all around you, next comes emunah. Never give up, no
matter how many goyim there are in the world. Even though there are
many scientists who are reshaim - wicked heretics, who tell lies and
foolishness, and pretend that they have absolute and clear evidence,
stick to your truth. Never abandon your truth. That is I’ha’amin, that is
emunah - remain loyal! Hold on to it forever and ever. Like the Chovos
Halevovos says, “ Do not sacrifice your vadaus - your certainty, your
knowledge, because of the multitude of fools in the world.”

Rav Miller, in different shiurim, explained that once a person is

loyal to his people, belief will come easily. What causes people not to
RAV AVIGDOR MILLER'S DEFINITION OF EMUNAH 255

believe is not because they are convinced otherwise. It is because they

are just following the crowd. They don’t want to believe; they do not
have ample motivation to believe. It is from a lowness of character, a
wickedness to deny, simply because it is your own heritage.

Proof to this, is that if you will take an atheist, and make him a gabbai
in the Satmarer shut for $100,000 a year, he will become a believer -
and a real one!

Evolution is so silly; it is so easy to disprove it. So why do people

believe in it? Just because they follow the crowd, or they just do not
want to believe.

These two essays of Rav Miller’s definition of emunah, are based on

Rav Miller’s recorded shiurim'. Interestingly, if you look in Rav Miller’s
sefer entitled, “ Awake My Glory,” he brings both approaches - the
popular approach of belief, and his own approach of loyalty, in two
different places in the same sefer.

On page 327, number 1050, Rav Miller writes as follows: “ Emunah,

to be convinced of the verities (truths) of Torah, and then to learn, to
become more and more deeply aware of them, is one of the greatest
mitzvos.” There is a mitzvah of Anochi Hashem (Shemos 20:2), which
means to know that there is a First Being who brought everything into
existence (Rambam, Yesodei HaTorah 1:1,6). We are commanded to
acquire this knowledge, and to continue, mindful of it always.

1. These essays are culled fro m th e fo llo w in g tapes (w e w ill also b rin g tra n s c rip ts
to o , be’ezras Hashem la te ro n ): T a pe io C (cre a tio n ), m in u te 17; Tape 22 (A S tub bo rn
N ation), m in u te 122; Tape E-96 (Learning Loyalty), m in u te 25 and m in u te 38; Tape
E-243, m inutes 9, 22, 43,100,108,112; Tape R-1 (Emunah), m in u te 40, and also th e
exact same shiur ~ Tape R-63 (The Stiff-N ecked).
256 THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

On page 5, Rav Miller explains that the methods of acquiring this

knowledge are as follows: For those capable of thought, and can
access the right information and facts, they should do so. If not, they
should rely on the integrity of their great people, and continue loyal in
their ways. To believe, efforts must be expended, either his own, or his
parents and teachers. The results will not come by themselves.

Ideally, one should use his logic and observe the facts in order to
believe properly (emunah), as mentioned. However, if that is not
possible for whatever reason, then a person must diligently employ the
intrinsic means of acquiring the Torah attitudes. This will at least give
him emunah peshutah - simple faith. Among those means are: fear of
G‫־‬d, bitachon, love of G-d, dveikus (thinking of Him), and avodah (doing
His service). We need to be wary of the fact that usually the appeal to
simple faith (emunah peshuta) is just an excuse to do nothing.

However on page 101, number 336, Rav Miller explains emunah

differently. First he brings the classic meaning - belief. Then he writes
that actually emunah means steadfastness and loyalty. He goes on to
explain that really belief comes easily, but it is only easy if a Jew is loyal
to his people. Disbelief is not because it is hard to believe, but it is a
result of yielding to gentile influence.
‫‪RAV AVIGDOR MILLER'S DEFINITION OF EMUNAH‬‬ ‫‪257‬‬

‫)‪(Endnotes‬‬

‫א‪ .‬וז״ל הדמב״ם )מלכים יא‪ ,‬א(‪ :‬המלך המשיח עתיד לעמוד ולהחזיד מלכות בית דוד‬
‫לישנה הממשלה הדאשונה ובונה מקדש ומקבץ נדתי ישדאל ‪ ...‬וכל מי שאינו מאמין‬
‫בו או מי שאינו מחכה לביאתו לא בשאד נביאים בלבד הוא כופד אלא בתודה ובמשה‬
‫רבינו שהרי התודה העידה עליו שנאמד‪...‬״‪ ,‬עכ״ל עיי״ש‪.‬‬
‫ב‪ .‬וז״ל הח״ח במאמר צפית לישועה פרק ב ״והנה כל מי שאינו מאמין כלל בביאת‬
‫המשיח ידוע לכל שעונו גדול מנשוא שחסר לו עיקר אחד מן השלשה עשר עיקרים‪,‬‬
‫וכן מי שאינו מחכה לביאתו דהיינו שמתייאש ממנו מאיזה סיבה שהיא ־ הוא חבירו‬
‫של האיש הזה ובכופר בתורה יחשב דז״ל הדים בהלכות מלאכים פי״א‪ ...‬וכל מי‬
‫שאינו מאמין בו או שאינו מחכה לביאתו )ע״ב‪ ,‬ר״ל שמתייאש ממנו מאיזה סיבה‬
‫שהיא( לא בשער נביאים בלבד הוא כופר אלא בתורה ובמשה רבינו‪...‬‬
‫ג‪ .‬וז״ל מכתבו של הגאון המקובל רבי ישראל אליהו וויינטרויב זצ״ל)מובא בסוף ספר‬
‫עדיך תאתה(‪ ...‬שנית‪ ,‬ענין אם יתמהמה חכה לו מבואר בגמ׳)סנהדרין צ״ז ע״ב(‪ :‬״אמר‬
‫רבי שמואל בר נחמני אמר ר׳ יונתן‪ ,‬תיפח עצמן של מחשבי קיצין‪ ,‬שהיו אומרים‪ ,‬כיון‬
‫שהגיע את הקץ ולא בא‪ ,‬שוב אינו בא‪ ,‬אלא חכה לו‪ ,‬שנאמר ׳אם יתמהמה חכה לך״‪,‬‬
‫ע״ב‪ .‬היינו דבעלי קיצים קבעו)וחשבון הקיצים שלהם לא היה כזב ח״ו כמבואר שם(‪,‬‬
‫שאז הוא מוכרח לבוא‪ ,‬וממילא אם לא בא‪ ,‬אז יהיה פקפוק בביאתו‪ ,‬אלא דפסוק זה‬
‫דחבקוק נתחדש שיש מהלך דיתמהמה‪ ,‬וממילא חכה לו שבודאי יבוא‪ .‬וגדר מי שאינו‬
‫מחכה לביאתו הוא בשביל חישוב קיצים‪ ,‬שאם לא בא‪ ,‬אז לא יבוא‪ .‬וגם לא אמרו שם‬
‫דתיפח עצמן של מחשבי קיצין מצד דסברי דרק בזמן ההוא לעתיד יבוא ולא קודם‪,‬‬
‫דבזה לא נתהפכו לאפיקורסים‪ ,‬ומכלל מחכי ביאתו הם בודאי‪.‬‬
‫עוד זאת‪ ,‬הרי התם גופא אמרו ז״ל‪ :‬״אמר ליה‪ ,‬עד הבא לא תיסתכי ליה‪ ,‬מכאן‬
‫ואילך איסתכי ליה״‪ ,‬ופירש רשי׳י‪ :‬״עד היובל האחרון לא תצפה לו‪ ,‬דודאי לא יבוא‬
‫קודם הזמן הזה״‪ ,‬עכייל‪ .‬והרי אלו דברים שמסרו לנו חז״ל לא לסתום דבריהם אלא‬
‫לגלות דבריהם‪ ,‬והרי הם דברי אליהו ז״ל לרב יהודא‪ ,‬והאם חלילה נולד מזה ריח של‬
‫אפיקורסות ח״ו‪ ,‬אלא ודאי דמעולם לא היה כוונת הגרי״ז על כגון דא ולא הובנו דבריו‬
‫הקדושים כראוי‪.‬‬
‫‪258‬‬ ‫‪THE THIRTEEN PRINCIPLES OF FAITH‬‬

‫עוד שאלו חדל שם‪ :‬וכי מאחר שמדת הדין מעכבת‪ ,‬אנו למה מחכין‪ ,‬לקבל שכר‪,‬‬
‫שנאמר ״אשרי כל תוכי לו״‪ ,‬והרי אין בקושיא זו דאנו למה מחכים שום הפקעת‬
‫אמונתנו כלל‪ ,‬דאל״כ אין שייך לשאול שאלה כזו‪ ,‬אלא דאין זה הנידון כלל‪ ,‬דרק מי‬
‫שנתייאש מביאתו שאמר שכבר בא או שלא יוכל לבוא מצד מה להתקבץ בידיעתו‬
‫הרי זה כופר ביסוד זה דביאת המשיח‪ ,‬אבל מי שמחכה לו שיבוא באיזה זמן מהזמנים‬
‫אינו נידון בזה‪...‬‬

‫ד‪ .‬הרמב״ם ביד החזקה ]הלכות מלאכים פרק י״א אי[ כותב ״וכל מי א׳( שאינו מאמין‬
‫בו ב׳( או מי שאינו מחכה לביאתו לא בשאר נביאים בלבד הוא כופר אלא בתורה‬
‫ובמשה רבינו״‪.‬‬
‫ה‪ .‬וז״ל רבינו יונה בשערי תשובה‪ .‬ובעבור המעלות האלה נברא האדם‪ ,‬שנאמר‬
‫)ישעיה מג‪ ,‬ז( כל הנקרא בשמי ולכבודי בראתיו ומה תקות הנברא אם לא ישים עמל‬
‫נפשו ועיקר עסקו בדברים אשר נברא בעבורם ]שער ג אות יז[ ולהלן כותב רבינו‬
‫יונה היצורים כלם נבראו לכבוד השם יתברך שנאמר ]שם[ כל הנקרא בשמי ולכבודי‬
‫בראתיו יצרתיו אף עשיתיו‪ .‬אכן נודע מן השכל כי המחלל את השם ובוזה דברו‪,‬‬
‫אבדה תקותו‪ .‬כי לו רב לו אשר לא יקים מה שנדרש ממנו מעיקר יצירתו לכבד את‬
‫השם ולקדשו‪ ,‬אבל שלח ידיו לעשות התמורה וההפך ולחלל את שם קדשו ]שער‬
‫ג אות קמג[ ולהלן כותב הרבינו יונה כי הדבר ידוע‪ ,‬כי מדרכי קידוש השם יתברך‬
‫להודיע בכל מבטא שפתים ובכל אשר ירמזון עינים ובכל הנהגה ופועל ידים‪ ,‬כי יסוד‬
‫לנפש האדם‪ ,‬וצבי עדיו‪ ,‬והטוב והעיקר‪ ,‬והתועלת‪ ,‬והיקר אשר בו‪ - ,‬עבודת השם‬
‫יתברך‪ ,‬ויראתו‪ ,‬ותורתו‪ .‬כמו שכתוב )קהלת יב‪ ,‬יג( כי זה כל האדם‪ ,‬ודבר זה כבוד‬
‫השם יתברך‪ ...‬ואחרי אשר התברר שהכל ברא השם יתברך לכבודו‪ ,‬חיב האדם לשום‬
‫לבו בכל עת לכבד את השם ולקדשו בכל דבריו‪ ...‬וכאשר יתיצב בתוך העם וידבר עם‬
‫חביריו‪ ,‬יתבונן בינה וידקדק וישגיח בכל מוצא שפתיו לקדש את השם בדבריו‪ ...‬כי‬
‫זה מעיקרי יצירת האדם ]שער ג‪ ,‬אות קמח[‪.‬‬
 L'illui nishmas
m y d e a r g ra n d m o th e r
Mrs. S h u la m is G o ld b e rg e r AH

a M D ‫ ״‬n ‫שול מי ת בת הרב‬

‫הלכה לעולמה ה׳ אדר ב׳ תשע״ט‬

an d fo r m y d e a r g ra n d m o th e r
M rs . R ivkah F re e d m a n AH

‫ד שמואל‬ ‫בת‬ ‫רבקה‬

‫הלכה לעולמה כ״ח אדר ב׳ תשע״ם‬

and fo r m y d e a r n e p h e w K a lm a n
th e son o f m y b ro th e r R abbi S im ch a
z is s e l S h lita w h o c o m p le te d his
ta fk id a t th e te n d e r ag e o f th re e
and w e w ill a lw a y s m iss him
d e a rly .

‫שמחה זיסל‬ ‫בן הרב‬ ‫קלמן‬

‫הלך לעולמו ז׳ אדר א' ת^ע״ט‬