Free Will

If everything is G-d’s doing, how do we have free will?

Shalom! God willed for man to have free will, so that we can be “Godly” which was the greatest gift that He could altruistically give. That being said, if man chooses something which is 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. With Love of Israel, Rabbi Ari Shvat