Date: Tue, 16 May 2000 21:54:35 -0400 (EDT)
From: Russell Hendel <  rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Subject: Re: 36 Righteous Ones and 13 Attributes

QUESTION: The RAMCHAL in Derech Hashem emphasizes the "13 attributes
of mercy"; one should practise these to emulate God.



ANSWER:
Just to clarify there are two sets of 13 to be discussed.

First: There are G-d's 13 attributes of mercy by which He judges the
world.They are listed in Exodus 34:6-7 (e.g. some some of the attributes
are "merciful", "lifting up sin","watching parental merits for 1000 years"...)

Second: There are the 13 doctrinal beliefs that every Jew must believe.
They were formulated by Maimonidees in his introduction to his commentary
on the Mishnah Chelek. There are also listed (if you look carefully) in the
Laws of repentance Chapter 3:6-9. Fortunately for us, these 13 attributes
have been encoded in the famous YIGDAL song which is traditionally sung in
synagogues. (eg some of the attributes are 'belief in one omnipotent G-d'
belief in (Mosaic) prophecy, belief in reward and punishment).

Russell Jay Hendel; rhendel@towson.edu
Moderator Rashi is Simple; Rashi Yomi
http://www.shamash.org/rashi/