The Rambam's First Principle of Faith: The Foundation Upon Which the Entire Torah Stands

What is the single foundation upon which the entire Torah rests?

At the very beginning of his monumental work, the Mishneh Torah, Maimonides (the Rambam) opens with the most fundamental principle of Jewish belief: the recognition that God exists.

In just a few concise yet profound halachot, the Rambam lays the cornerstone of Judaism. He explains that the entire universe depends upon God for its existence at every moment, while God Himself depends on nothing. These are the truths every Jew is called to know, and upon them the entire structure of faith is built.

The First Cause of All Existence

The Rambam writes:

"The foundation of all foundations and the pillar of all wisdom is to know that there exists a First Being.

He brings every existing thing into existence.

Everything that exists—in heaven, on earth, and all that is between them—exists only because of the truth of His existence.

If it could be imagined that He did not exist, nothing else could exist.

But if it could be imagined that nothing else existed besides Him, He alone would still exist. His existence is not dependent upon theirs.

For all created beings depend upon Him, while He, blessed be He, depends upon none of them—not on any one of them. Therefore, His reality is unlike the reality of any created being.

This is what the prophet declared: 'The Lord God is truth' (Jeremiah 10:10). He alone is the ultimate reality, and no other being possesses reality like His.

This is the meaning of the Torah's declaration: 'There is none besides Him' (Deuteronomy 4:35)—there exists no true being comparable to Him.

This Being is the God of the universe, the Master of the entire earth. He continually directs the heavenly spheres with infinite and unceasing power.

Since the heavenly spheres move constantly, they cannot move without One who causes them to move. And He, blessed be He, moves them without hand or body.

Knowing this is a positive commandment, as it is written: 'I am the Lord your God.'

Whoever entertains the thought that there is another deity besides Him violates a negative commandment, as it says: 'You shall have no other gods before Me,' and thereby denies the very foundation of the faith.

For this is the great principle upon which everything depends."

(Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:1–6)

Everything Depends on God

The Rambam's words establish the central principle of Jewish faith: there is one Creator, eternal and without beginning, from whom all existence flows.

Everything in creation — from the heavens and the earth to every individual human being, exists not by its own power, but because God continually gives it life and sustains it at every moment.

God's existence, however, is fundamentally different. It is absolute, independent, and unchanging. He requires nothing outside Himself, while every created being depends entirely upon Him.

When a person internalizes this truth, they begin to see the world differently. Life is no longer random or self-sustaining. Rather, every aspect of creation is guided with wisdom and purpose by the One who continuously brings it into existence.

The Root of Every Mitzvah

For this reason, the Rambam emphasizes that belief in God's existence and absolute unity is not merely one commandment among many. It is the root from which the entire Torah grows.

Every mitzvah, every act of worship, and every expression of faith begins with the recognition that behind every detail of creation stands one Creator — "There is none besides Him."

Seven Ways to Strengthen Faith in Everyday Life

1. Reflect on the Wonders of Creation

Take time to observe the remarkable order of nature, the complexity of the human body, and the beauty of the world around you. Creation itself points to the wisdom and greatness of its Creator.

2. Set Aside Time to Study the Foundations of Faith

Studying works of Jewish thought and emunah deepens understanding and strengthens one's relationship with God.

3. Practice Gratitude Every Day

Develop the habit of thanking God for both the small and great blessings in life. Gratitude reminds us that everything we possess is a gift from Him and deepens our sense of closeness to Him.

4. Look for Divine Providence

Pay attention to the events of your life and the many ways God quietly guides and helps you. Recognizing His providence strengthens the awareness that nothing happens by chance.

5. Speak to God in Personal Prayer

Personal prayer reinforces the understanding that we are never alone. We can always turn to the Creator, who listens and accompanies us through every moment of life.

6. Remember That Everything Depends on the Creator

As the Rambam teaches, every created being depends on God, while He depends on nothing. Reflecting on this truth cultivates both humility and trust, reminding us of our place in the world.

7. Live with the Awareness That God Is Always Before You

The verse, "I have set the Lord before me always" (Psalm 16:8), encourages us to remember God's presence throughout the day. Living with this awareness gives meaning to even the smallest actions and connects faith to everyday life.