Free Choice
Choices are free; it is the consequences that we pay for dearly. Or, more dearly, that pay us.
Most things in life are beyond conventional choice. We cannot choose not to breathe and remain living. We cannot choose to cease eating and expect to grow older. Like the color of our eyes, our genes, families, minds, natures, abilities, are mostly ingrained in us and beyond our will to change. True free choice is what we choose to do with these parts that make us who we are and how we choose to live with the elements at our disposal. We cannot choose not to breathe, but we can choose what to do when we do breathe. We cannot choose to cease eating, but we very well can choose what to eat and how to eat it. These are the most freeing choices of all.
Train Journey
Using the metaphor of a railway journey, there are two possible routes the Redemption may come about – it may be hastened or come in its time.
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The Doorway of Choice
Free choice; good and evil: the deeper significance of the divine voice’s “short stop” at the doorway of the Sanctuary.
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Free Agent
In the case of the Spies in Parshat Shelach G-d said, “I’m not telling you what to do—do as you see fit.” G-d was opening a new arena of human potential.
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Self-Styled Spies
In Parshat Shelach, the distinction in wording between “spies” and “scouts” makes all the difference in understanding the tragedy of the Twelve Spies.
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Subjective Judge
Insight into judgement: The only power on earth or heaven that can judge man is man himself.
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The “Impossible” Dream
Caleb’s role in the tragic story of The 12 Spies in Parshat Shelach.
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A Slumber and a Headache
Revisiting the 42-stationed journey in the desert from the Exodus of Egypt (that marked our birth as a nation) to our entry into the Land of Israel.
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Beyond Structure
Purim: It’s not our logic & plans that run the world but a higher force that may manifest in random experiences within which lies the greatest power of all.
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In The Beginning
While many people focus on the debate between evolution and creation, they often overlook a more important question about responsibility to a Creator.
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