Ask the Rabbi
- Torah and Jewish Thought
- Emuna - Jewish Thought
- Questions on Hashem
Question
If everything is G-dโs doing, how do we have free will?
Answer
Shalom! God willed for man to have free will, so that we can be โGodlyโ 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 โsmartโ enough to know how to maneuver in a way that manโs choice doesnโt mess things up (for ourselves!). Like a chess master who, despite his opponentโs free will, knows exactly how to react and counter-react to fit his needs (just that regarding our topic, we and God are โon the same sideโ). 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

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