Q&A: The 13 Principles of Faith and Conversion
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
The 13 Principles of Faith and Conversion
Question
Hello,
If the 13 principles of faith are so important to Maimonides, why does he not require them as a prerequisite in the conversion process?
Answer
"We inform him of some of the fundamental principles of the religion" can include them. But it is possible that in his view, accepting them is the essence of conversion, not a prerequisite in the conversion process. Someone who comes to convert does so because he has reached the conclusion that the thirteen principles are true. The conversion process is the way to put into practice joining the community of believers in those principles.