Being a Jew has always meant something. It was something special, unique, wonderful. And, there has always been an understanding of what being Jewish was all about.

Maimonidies, one of the foremost Jewish Scholars of the Medieval period, constructed a list of the basic tenets of Jewish faith, which, a person who denies any of these, cannot be considered a "Jew", in the fullest sense.

After publication it soon became the standard in Jewish belief and identity, and remains so till this day.

Some people have the custom to recite them daily. Similarly, the famous Jewish song, "Yigdal", recited in synagogues across the world on shabbos, is based on Maimonidies famous constitution. The author who compiled this version of Maimonides' code is unknown, but this remains the most famous version.

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The Thirteen Principles of Jewish Faith

- Maimonidies

(Many people recite this daily.)

1- I believe with complete faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, creates and guides all creatures, and that He alone made, makes, and will make everything.

2- I believe with complete faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, is unique, and that there is no uniqueness like His in any way, and that He alone is our God, Who was, Who is, and Who always will be.

3-  I believe with complete faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, is not physical and is not affected by physical phenomena, and that there is no comparison whatsoever to Him.

4- I believe with complete faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, is the very first and the very last.

5- I believe with complete faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name -- to Him alone is it proper to pray and it is not proper to pray to any other.

6- I believe with complete faith that all the words of the prophets are true.

7- I believe with complete faith that the prophecy of Moses our teacher, peace be upon him, was true, and that he was the father [meaning, most prominent] of the prophets -- both those who preceded him and those who followed him.

8- I believe with complete faith that the entire Torah now in our hands is the same one that was given to Moses, our teacher, peace be upon him.

9- I believe with complete faith that this Torah will not be exchanged nor will there be another Torah from the Creator, Blessed be His Name.

10- I believe with complete faith that the Creator, Blessed be His name, knows all the deeds of human beings and their thoughts, as it is said, 'He fashions their hearts all together, He comprehends all their deeds.' [Psalms 33:15]

11- I believe with complete faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, rewards with good those who observe His commandments, and punishes those who violate His commandments.

12- I believe with complete faith in the coming of the Messiah, and even though he may delay, nevertheless I anticipate every day that he will come.

13- I believe with complete faith that there will be a resuscitation of the dead whenever the wish emanates from the Creator, Blessed be His Name and exalted is His mention, forever and for all eternity.

                        For Your salvation I do long, Hashem. [Genesis 49:18]

                        I do long, Hashem, for Your salvation.

                        Hashem, for Your salvation I do long.

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This code is so famous that groups like "Jews for Cheezus" (change due to copyright scare) have invented their own belief code to mimic this one! Hopefully, we will discuss this at length at a later time.