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.
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.
Read MoreFree 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.
Read MoreThe Doorway of Choice
Free choice; good and evil: the deeper significance of the divine voice’s “short stop” at the doorway of the Sanctuary.
Read MoreAre you Battle-Weary? Transcending Life’s Struggles
The secret to winning your battles lies not in your fighting skills and strategies, but in your attitude and mindset even before you engage in battle.
Read MoreHow to Find Your Own Voice: The Flame That Rises on Its Own
How much of your life reflects your own exclusive personality, and how much of it is living up to other people’s expectations and opinions?
Read MoreTrain 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.
Read MoreSimchat-Torah: From Chickens to Vegetables
As we move right along from fauna to flora, from swirling chickens before Yom Kippur to thrusting shrubs on Sukkot, the holidays have an organic nature…
Read MoreSpiritual Futures
Every man can grant G-d a kinyan in his life, asserting mind over heart until only his g-dly drives come to fruition.
Read MoreNetzovim – Vayeilech: Birthing
Samech Vav, part 19 discusses the renewed light that shines on the eve of Rosh Hashana, a light which is relevant to each of us as a unique being…
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