Belief in Hashem

The Chofetz Chaim writes: It is a positive commandment to believe that there is a G-d who exists. As it
says (Shmos 20:2), “I am Hashem your G-d…” He (may He blessed and elevated) caused everything that
exists to exist as well as all of the worlds. By virtue of His power and desire, may He be blessed, he
oversees everything. This is the foundation of the religion.

One who does not believe this –
 Is a denier of that which is fundamental
 Has no portion or merit in Israel.

We are obligated to stake our lives and our possessions on this belief. It is fundamental for a person to
establish in his mind that this is the truth, and no alternative is possible. This [commandment] applies in
all times and all places, to males and females.

In each generation, there are entirely untenable theories presented by deniers of Hashem. The current
untenable theories are that everything evolved at random. The theory of Darwinian evolution was
made before science was able to identify the systems that transpire within the cell. These systems and
the other systems of the body cannot work in a gradual process. The cell cannot function unless all of
these systems are in place. They all would have had to have evolved simultaneously – an impossibility.
The body cannot function either unless all of the other systems are in place as well (or similar ones). It is
forbidden to deny that which is fundamental. Dovid HaMelech said (Tehillim 14:1), “The fool says in his
heart, there is no Hashem.”

Each person has a remarkable destiny that he or she can fulfill. Hashem is also the Ultimate Giver and
wants us to achieve our destinies and our rewards. It is for this reason that He has given us the Mitzvos
to remain on track. In the krias shma we recite the pasuk in Bamidbar 15:39, “Do not stray after your
hearts and after your eyes” – this means that we should not entertain atheistic thoughts nor harbor
material desires that can take us away from our Emunah – our belief in hashem.

THERE IS MORE

The Alter of Slabodka explains (see Ohr HaTzafun Siman 1) that part of belief in Hashem is to realize that
Hashem is the Ultimate Giver and the source of all good. He writes that both of these concepts are, in
fact, one and the same. He proves it from the fact that Adam haRishon had only one Mitzvah – belief in
hashem. Yet the Torah included the idea of Naaseh Adam b’Tzalmeinu, “Let us make man in our own
image” – to teach us midos that we should consult with those below our station as well (see Rashi ibid).
Perforce, both concepts are one.

In terms of belief in Hashem, there is a fascinating machlokes. Everyone agrees (see Rambam in Moreh
Nevuchim 1:51) that our belief begins with the mesorah that have been transmitted to us in the seforim
hakedoshim by our ancestors. The question is are we obligated to further seek out additional proofs
and also see it from other areas too? The Chovos Halevavos and the Rambam (MN: 3:51) hold that you
are obligated if you have the ability to do so. The Kuzari (Rav Yehudah HaLevi) holds that you are not
obligated. The Minhag in the Yeshiva world seems to follow the Kuzari’s view.

The Gemorah in Nazir 23b indicates that if one finds himself or herself weakening in Emunah,
involvement in Torah study and observing it brings one back to a belief in Hashem.