The root of all faith is to believe in all of the words of the Torah and in all the words of the Sages. If someone does not understand the words [of the Torah], he should assume that it is because of his lack of knowledge or limited intelligence, and he should believe with total faith that all their words are true and everlasting. The Sages said, that the entire Torah is included in the attribute of faith. Many people claim that they are “believers, sons of believers,” yet their actions do not match their mouth and prove that their faith is not complete. When a person, for instance, commits a sin — aside from the punishment for the deed itself — the person will also be punished for his lack of belief, for had he possessed perfect faith, he would not have sinned. And if he sinned despite his faith, then it is sheer] brazenness!
These commandments — to believe in the existence of Hashem and to believe in His Providence — are counted among the 613 commandments and among the mitzvos that one can fulfill constantly, at every moment and instant just by thinking about it. From time to time one should say to himself, and to his Yetzer Ha-ra (Evil Inclination), “I am a Jew, the child of a Jew, and I believe with perfect faith in the existence of Hashem and in His Providence over all details and the details of the details; I believe that Hashem, may He be blessed, gives reward for every single thing, even the smallest, whether it be a thought, speech, or deed. And [I know that] He administers harsh and bitter punishment for every evil, even a light discussion or an evil thought. Therefore it is fitting that I pay attention to all my deeds and thoughts until whatever I do is pure and straight — in thought, speech and deed — so that my faith not be a sham.”
