Q&A: The Thirteen Principles as an Obligation?
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
The Thirteen Principles as an Obligation?
Question
Hello Rabbi!
I wanted to know whether there is an obligation to believe in Maimonides' thirteen principles, such as that the Holy One, blessed be He, has no form and no body, and the like. After all, there are medieval authorities who disagreed with him about this. So if it seems more correct to me to follow those other medieval authorities, will I still have a share in the World to Come?
Answer
One's share in the World to Come is not determined by one's beliefs. If you believe something, then that is what you believe. What is there to blame you for regarding what you believe?!
Discussion on Answer
Fine, so I disagree.
But Maimonides says that someone who does not believe in the thirteen principles has no share in the World to Come?