Thirteen Articles of Faith

Thirteen Articles of Faith

 or Thirteen Principles of Faith

Summary of the basic tenets of Judaism. It was formulated by Moses Maimonides in his commentary on the Mishna, in an effort to put forth true concepts of God and faith as a tool in avoiding error. Though presented as dogma, his statement was a personal concept and has been much debated and revised. The articles state various doctrines concerning the nature of God, the law, and Moses, and they affirm that the messiah is coming and that the dead will rise. All versions include the hymn “Yigdal,” which is part of most Jewish prayer services.