These additional resources that we have culled from around the web are meant to enhance the NLE Morasha Syllabus class entitled, Belief in God: Is There a Mitzvah to Believe? We are certain that these resources can help you further impact your audience! If you know of any additional resources that we should add on to this page, please let us know by contacting us here.

Articles

Is Belief in God a Mitzvah? Maimonides on the First Commandment – from the Maimonides Heritage Center
In Halachot Gedolot, the Rambam does not deny that a good Jew must believe in God, but he understands that this requirement is too basic to be counted as a mitzvah, but in his Sefer HaMitzvot, he counts belief in God as the very first mitzvah.

Know there is a God – by Rabbi Noach Weinberg Ztl
The logic underlying this commandment seems difficult to understand. Someone who already observe God’s commandments obviously believes in His existence — so what need is there for a new command to do so? And if someone doesn’t know that God exists, why should he listen to this command?!

For the Love of God – by Rabbi Rav Moshe Aberman
To love God is not just a philosophical idea in Judaism, it is a mitzvah that every Jew is required to fulfill.

1 and 2: Belief in Hashem and Understanding Hashem’s Oneness – by Rabbi Moshe Goldberger
The Rambam explains: “The foundation of all foundations and the pillar of all wisdom is to know that there is a Creator who created the universe with profound wisdom…” (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 1:1).

God, Purpose and the Necessity of Mitzvot – by Mois A. Navon
Whatever the purpose, without positing the existence of God, one cannot hope to discover ultimate meaning or purpose.

Blogs

A mitzvah for Non-Believers – by Rabbi Gil Student
One of those beliefs necessary for a religious community is belief in God, the object of worship. But what should someone unable to assent to that belief do? What does Judaism require of those who do not believe in God?

The Six Constant Mitzvot – by Rabbi Ari Enkin
Another superb interpretation of the Six Constant Mitzvot teaches that each mitzva corresponds to one of the six walls of one’s home.

The Mitzvah of Anochi – from eLomdus.com
Many point out that when the Rambam talks about the mitzvah of Anochi in Mishnah Torah he uses the word leida – to know. A person has to know that there is a God. He does not say l’haamin – to believe.

Declaring the Unity of God and Accepting His Kingdom – by Harav Yehuda Amital, zt”l
Given the sources to indicate that Shema is kabbalat ol malkhut shamayim as well as yichud, the question may be raised as to whether two different ideas are included in the verse, “Hear, O Israel,” or whether this is truly one idea that has two expressions.

Are Mitzvot Arbitrary Rituals – from Believing is Knowing
The comparison is surprising because unlike Mitzvot where Rambam holds there is an overarching reason for them, when it comes to why there is existence in general, Rambam argues that the question is moot and has no answer except that God so wanted.

The Moral Approach to God’s Existence – by Rabbi Leib Kelemen

The moral approach to God’s existence begins with the question: Why is murder wrong? That is, who or what has the authority to establish such a universal ethical principle? Who or what made murder wrong?

Links

Simple Faith vs Rational Conviction – by Moshe Ben-Chaim
Once someone sees a proof, he needs no further philosophizing.

The Nature of God  – from Judaism 101
In general, Judaism views the existence of G-d as a necessary prerequisite for the existence of the universe. The existence of the universe is sufficient proof of the existence of G-d.

What if Someone is unable to Believe in God? – from Mi Yodea
Suppose someone really truly wants to believe in Hashem, but is simply unable to. Even after much trying and learning Torah, he still is simply unable to believe in God. Would that person be considered a kofer? Is there anything that he can do to not be a kofer?

Arguing with God – by Samantha H. Shapiro
“Soooo.. . .I heard you didn’t want a bar mitzvah because you don’t believe in God…”

Guess Who Doesn’t Believe in God? – from SimpleToRemember.com
The surprising word from a new survey by Harris Interactive of 2,306 adults that shows belief in God varies quite widely among different segments of the American public.

Audio

The Mitzvah to Believe in God – by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz

Scientific Proof of God – by Dr. Gerald Schroeder

Belief in God – by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald

Who is God – by Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb

Video

Atheism: Why Don’t People Believe in God – by Dr.Paul C. Vitz

Belief in God After the Holocaust – by Nissen Mangel

Hashem as Ultimate Perfection – by Rebbitzen Tziporah Heller

 

Please note: The views expressed in the articles, links, videos, etc. reflect the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the thinking of NLE Resources.