- Torah and Jewish Thought
- Basics of Jewish Faith
Does Judaism really believe in Free Will
Question
How to understand free will in Judaism? Does free will in Judaism have limits? What are these limits?
Answer
God willed for man to have free will, so that we can be “Godly”, which was the greatest gift that He can altruistically give. That being said, if man chooses something which is clearly counterproductive or if it contradicts the Godly plan, He is obviously “smart” enough to know how to maneuver in a way that man’s choice doesn’t mess things up (for ourselves!). Like a chess master who, despite his opponent’s free will, knows exactly how to react and counter-react to fit his needs (just that regarding our topic, we and God are “on the same side”). Or like a caring parent who wants to teach his child independence, yet lovingly watches over and sometimes intervenes.
It’s also true that part of maturity is to choose to accept the truth from others (e.g. G-d, rabbis, and parents…) who are more intelligent and experienced (something difficult for adolescents and egoists!). In other words, our "will" isn't totally free, for we didn't choose our height, genetics or into which generation or family to be born, rather this is our Godly fate and job which is for us to destine and grow through our choices, which should be beneficially guided with the help of others.
With Love of Israel,
Rabbi Ari Shvat

Why pray when bad things happen if all is for good?
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 1 Sivan 5765

Asking rabbis advice- "Emunas chachamim"
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tammuz 16, 5780

Prayer to cure the hopelessly sick
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tishrei 23, 5778

Where Does Torah say we have Free Will
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 10, 5781

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

baruch hamavdil
Adar I 23, 5771

Fasting or giving Tzedaka on seeing Sefer Torah fallen
Shevat 7, 5771

How to manage to not listen Loshon Hara?
Adar I 23, 5771

Gentile Prophets
Adar II 25, 5771

Non jew touch a mezuzah entering jewish home?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 13, 5781
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775

Non jew touch a mezuzah entering jewish home?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 13, 5781

Solar fan
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Sivan 17, 5783

fruit tree
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 10, 5783

Rabbanut of Copenhagen
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Sivan 5, 5783
