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What is the Jewish view on free choice?

by Mrs. Chana Weisberg

  

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Torah gives us a division between good and bad. In other words, the Torah tells us which domain of reality must be avoided because it can't be used for good--which articles, foods, relationships, etc. are spiritually deadening for us. Nevertheless, though we are told what needs to be avoided, there is so much of unique individuality within the huge realm of the permissible, and I'm not talking about WHETHER to do it—I'm talking about WHAT to do.

This concept touches every area of your life. Take simple examples, like food: the Torah tells you what you can't eat. You decide what and how much you want to eat. I don't mean different levels of Kosher for different people--I mean which actual foods you will eat. Same with relationships, emotions, reactions, friendships, clothing--it's your individuality that counts.

The Torah speaks to every individual depending on their unique talents, abilities and gifts that they might use
In the greater scheme of things, there is always the right thing to do. It's all there in the Torah for you. The Torah tells you to lead a meaningful life. The Torah speaks to every individual depending on their unique talents, abilities and gifts that they might use.

So is it HOW you do the Mitzvah that's up to you?

Yes, and even in performing or trying to keep ALL the mitzvahs, it's up to you which one you emphasize in your life. For some it was always the mitzvah of being happy. For another, having guests on Shabbat; for yet another, extreme giving.

Of course, all mitzvahs are equally important--we don't say that one part of Torah is more important than the rest. All must be done. But the Torah doesn't dictate whether you're going to be a teacher helping kids out, or a Chazzan [cantor] singing in a Shul [synagogue]. In other words, where your talents lie, and where your particular strengths are evident, these things will automatically have emphasis in your life.

These are the individuality of the mitzvahs.

Torah is multi-dimensional, allowing every individual to express his or her uniqueness and talents through the mitzvahs.


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Mitzvah
(pl. Mitzvot). A commandment from G-d. Mitzvah also means a connection, for a Jew connects with G–d through fulfilling His commandments.
Shabbat
(pl: Shabbatot). Hebrew word meaning "rest." It is a Biblical commandment to sanctify and rest on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. This commemorates the fact that after creating the world in six days, G-d rested on the seventh.
Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Kosher
Literally means "fit." Commonly used to describe foods which are permitted by Jewish dietary laws, but is also used to describe religious articles (such as a Torah scroll or Sukkah) which meet the requirements of Jewish law.
Shul
(Yiddish) Synagogue.
Chazzan
A cantor, or any individual who leads the congregation in prayer.