Question
Hello Rabbi, some count the first mitzva in their sifrei mitzvos as belief in HaShem. The Hasdai Cressas gives a really good reason why this incorrect, ie that to follow the command to believe in HaShem was given by HaShem, but to follow that command you have to already believe in HaShem. Or something along the lines. His point is that it is a loop. So my question is, what do the halakhists who hold this is a mitzva, what would they respond to Hassan Cressas?
Answer
The Rambam writes explicitly, in order to answer your question, that the commandment is not to believe (for that person already believes, and if not, it doesn't help to command him!), but to bring others (!) to believe. That's also why the Shema Yisrael, is not worded as a declaration that I believe, but is literally a call to others to believe ("Listen Israel/Jews our God is One"). That's why the Rambam, in that first mitzva, uses the word in Hebrew l'ha'amin (to get others to believe) and not l'amin (to believe), for if you really believe in God as the ultimate truth, you'll want to get others to believe in Him as well. Lehavdil, it's like on election day, that to vote for a candidate shows support (or non-support for his rival!), but if I really believe in a candidate, I will even join his election committee to convince others to vote for him, as well. Similarly, it hurts us when others curse our parents, for if I love them, I want others to love them as well. With Love of Israel, Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)

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Rabbi Ari Shvat | Cheshvan 23, 5782

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