Maimonides (1135-1204), also known a Rambam which is a acronym for Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, was one of the foremost Jewish thinkers of his day.  In his commentary on the Mishnah he compiles what he refers to as the Shloshah-Asar Ikkarim, the Thirteen Articles of Faith.  This could more properly be called a Jewish creed because it is a statement of belief.   (Although this formulation  with each principal starting with "I believe" as presented here is unusual.)

 Maimonides was born in Cordoba Spain under Muslim rule. The Jews of his day were under some pressure from the rulers and in many instances were offered the choice of death, conversion to Islam or exile.  Maimonides chose exile and moved around southern Spain and settled for a time in Morocco lived briefly in the Holy Land, spending time in Jerusalem, and finally settled in Fostat, Egypt; where he was doctor of the Grand Vizier Alfadhil and also possibly the doctor of Sultan Saladin of Egypt. 

1. I believe with perfect faith that G-d is the Creator and Ruler of all things. He alone has made, does make, and will make all things.

2. I believe with perfect faith that G-d is One. There is no unity that is in any way like His. He alone is our G-d He was, He is, and He will be.

3. I believe with perfect faith that G-d does not have a body. Physical concepts do not apply to Him. There is nothing whatsoever that resembles Him at all.

4. I believe with perfect faith that G-d is first and last.

5. I believe with perfect faith that it is only proper to pray to G-d. One may not pray to anyone or anything else.

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

7. I believe with perfect faith that the prophecy of Moses is absolutely true. He was the chief of all prophets, both before and after Him.

8. I believe with perfect faith that the entire Torah that we now have is that which was given to Moses.

9. I believe with perfect faith that this Torah will not be changed, and that there will never be another given by G-d.

10. I believe with perfect faith that G-d knows all of man's deeds and thoughts. It is thus written (Psalm 33:15), "He has molded every heart together, He understands what each one does."

11. I believe with perfect faith that G-d rewards those who keep His commandments, and punishes those who transgress Him.

12. I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah. How long it takes, I will await His coming every day.

13. I believe with perfect faith that the dead will be brought back to life when G-d wills it to happen.

http://www.geocities.com/buddychai/Religion/13Principals.html 12/4/09