Emunah

One of the Six Constant Mitzvot* and the first of the Ten Commandments is the belief in G-d. It is also the first of Rambam’s Thirteen Principles of Faith

Belief in the existence of the Creator, who is perfect in every manner of existence and is the Primary Cause of all that exists.

Chabad.org : The Thirteen Priciples of Jewish Faith

The belief in G-d is also known as emunah, which is defined in Rav Shalom Arush’s book The Garden of Emuna as:

1. The firm belief that everything comes from Hashem by way of perfect Divine Providence.
2. Everything is for the best. (Struggling to believe this? Learn more HERE.)
3. Hashem does everything for a purpose.

Here are some common misconceptions that do not reflect emunah.

• The belief that a power exists independent of G-d and has authority that G-d does not, e.g. employers, clients, governments, doctors, judges, etc. These are merely agents used to execute Divine will and goodness.
• That bad things happen or that there is bad in the world. (Emunah picks up where logic leaves off.)
• The Mashiach is needed to fix our problems.

The quintessential way to do teshuvah for lack of emunah is by expressing gratitude for the good and the seemingly bad. Additionally, one should pray daily for emunah. (Remember, the deeper the prayer, the deeper to answer to the prayer.”)

Rav Arush says. “If you believe in G-d, you will talk to G-d.”

*The Six Constant Mitzvot are mitzvot that apply to both men and women, in all places and at all times. Learn more HERE.