בס”ד
Introduction to the Concept of One G-d
For Jews and Noahides, the foundation of everything we can learn about G-d is the belief in the one G-d. According to Maimonides (Rambam), this is the core of all wisdom, which is to realize that there exists one ultimate Being, and that everything, both in the spiritual heavens and in the physical universe, comes into existence from the truth of His existence. This G-d is absolutely one and completely unified, not divided or separated, but a unity that transcends any other kind of unity. Since He is completely unlimited, it is impossible for Him to have a physical form or body, as this would imply limitation.[1]
The Commandment to Believe in G-d
Jews have a specific commandment to believe in G-d, which is the first specific positive commandment as stated in Maimonides’ Sefer HaMitzvot:
“That is the command that He commanded us [the Jewish People] to believe in G-d. And that is that we believe that there is an Origin and Cause, that He is the power of all that exists. And [the source of the command] is His saying (Exodus 20:2):”
| 2 I am the L-RD thy G-d, … | ב אָנֹכִי ד’ אֱלֹקיךָ |
The Noahide Commandment Against Idolatry and the Logical Implication of Believing in One G-d
The seven Noahide Laws include the prohibition of idolatry. Just as the Jewish people are forbidden from worshipping idols, Bnei Noah are also prohibited from idol worship, as stated by Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 416:
| With regard to idolatry, the entire prohibition is considered to be one commandment, and yet this one commandment has many specific details. For [Bnei Noach] share equally in the selfsame prohibition against idolatry as Israel, to the extent that they are liable in any case where a Jewish bet din would condemn an idolater [among the Jews] to death. | וכן ענין עבודה זרה כלו נחשב להם מצוה אחת ויש בה כמה וכמה פרטים, שהרי הם שוים בה לישראל לענין שחיבים בכל מה שבית דין של ישראל ממיתים עליה (שם נו ב) |
This logically implies the belief in the one G-d. The commandment to believe in the one G-d is included in the Noahide commandment that prohibits idolatry. This is based on the Oral Torah principle stated in Seifrei (Devarim 46 and Devarim 11:19): “From the negative, you infer the positive; and from the positive, the negative.”[2]
Understanding the Commandment to Believe in G-d
Belief is inherently personal and cannot be enforced.
To begin believing in the One True G-d, one must be willing to acquire knowledge and insight about Him in order to deepen one’s understanding of Him.
Moments of wonder in nature can ignite this desire for understanding. For some, it might be an impressive waterfall, for others, the vastness of the night sky, and others might find it in the complexity of a microscopic ecosystem. These moments can be the start of a quest for answers to questions like: How did all this come into existence? And more importantly: Why does it exist?
Abraham’s Path to Understanding One G-d
Abraham examined the various forms of worship practiced in his time and rejected them based on critical thinking. [3] Through pure logical reasoning, [4] he came to the conclusion that the world must have had a beginning and that there must be an ultimate, first cause. This insight led him to the conclusion that there must be one sole G-d, responsible for creation and order in the universe. These discoveries were the result of his own reflection and observation, without any external guide or teacher.
The Perfection of the World
Our universe and this world exhibit a stunning perfection of interrelated and scientifically unexplainable complexity of design. Everything seems precisely calibrated, including the exact necessary values of the fundamental constants of cosmology, the distance of the earth from the sun and the composition of our atmosphere which provide the needed climate for life, and the delicate global balance of ecological systems. Consider the complexity of life forms which are all based on coded variations in one molecule (DNA), the refined quantum-mechanical structure of atoms and molecules, and how everything comes together in perfect harmony. Logically, this can only be the result of Divine design.
Faith in G-d is deepened by meditating on His creation and His infinite greatness. If one limits his contemplation to what his eyes can see, this puts a limitation on his faith. By studying Torah sources that explain deeper dimensions of knowledge of G-d, one’s faith in Him will be deepened through the understanding that is gained.[5] When we gain this understanding, we will realize that He is the One who has constant control over everything. Torah teaches how nothing in the world happens outside of His plan; everything, from the greatest to the smallest details, happens through Him. This is called Divine Providence. As we come to understand this better, we can better connect with G-d in our prayers to Him – with our questions, our needs, and our thanks – as a result of our enhanced faith and trust in Him.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Dr. Michael Schulman for the input and feedback
Sources:
[1] See Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Foundations of Torah 1:1
[2] Seifrei Devarim 46 on Devarim 11:19; see The Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner, Part I, topic 1:5.
[3] See the Story of Abraham and the shop of his father’s idols in Midrash Rabbah, Genesis, 38:13. See also Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Laws of the Worship of Stars 1:1-3.
[4] Midrash Rabbah 39
[5] See, for example, Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah (The Gate of Unity and Faith) by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi.
Source of inspiration: Het Heilige in het Alledaagse by Alan Morinis,
For more information on the Fundamentals of Faith for non-Jews, see Part I, Chapters 1-9, in The Divine Code, 4th Edition, by Rabbi Moshe Weiner.
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