Free Choice
The ultimate criterion of “free choice” is not “Is it determined?” but “What determines it?” Every choice is determined by something, be it a rational motive or an intuitive flash of no traceable origin. True choice is when one’s course of action is determined by, and only by, the very quintessence of self.
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A Haven In Time
The twenty-nine days of Elul offer an isle in time, a sanctum for introspection and self-assessment, for atonement and rehabilitation.
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Faith, Reason, and Predetermined Choice.
A deep exploration of the balance between the deterministic character of the universe, and the freedom of choice that we all hold so dear.
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The Determined Chooser: Choice vs Determinism
How much control do we really have over our actions? So can man be held accountable for his behavior? Is the good we do truly to our credit? Is the evil our fault? Isn’t it all a matter of genes and environment? A discussion of choice vs determinism.
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Individuality and Religion: A Frank Discussion About the Divine Service of Individualism
Most people would assume that religion is quite conformist, because it has a set of laws—it’s not moral relativism. That is flawed thinking, based on untrue assumptions about the nature of the self and the nature of G-d. Learn why in this frank discussion with Rabbi Simon Jacobson.
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An Omnipotent G-d versus Free Will
Man does not intrinsically possess the capacity to freely determine his actions; rather, freedom of choice has been granted to man by an omnipotent G-d. “If G-d knows what I’m going to do, how could I have chosen?” is more a difficulty of our time-contexted perception than a true logical paradox.
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How Can a Good G-d Allow So Much Pain
Why do bad things happen to good people? How can God allow or do painful things? An open discussion on these tough questions.
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Tazria-Metzora: Greater Expectations
Though things seem chaotic and confusing we have the ability to sort everything and find clarity bringing us to greater results than we could’ve imagined.
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Chukat: The Face
In Parshat Chukat Moses’ face turned pale: knowing what it means to be created in the “Divine Image” & learning the cycle of life & death through faces.
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Acharei Kedoshim: Transitions and Premonitions
A personal story about a man standing on the edge of the spiritual world is shared, followed by an examination of both spiritual and physical dimensions.
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