[5:1] Freedom of choice to follow the laws of God or not to follow them, is granted to all men. If a person wants to follow the path of virtue, becoming a tzaddik (righteous person), that is his choice. Similarly, he can choose to follow the road of evil, becoming a rosha (wicked person). After Adam sinned, the Bible says, "Man has now become like one of us in knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:22). Meaning, mankind has become unique in the world. Only man, with his knowledge and thought, can distinguish good from evil and choose between the two. Adam and Eve were sentenced to die for their sin as they were forewarned. Therefore, Adam had to be expelled and banished from the Garden of Eden, because he now had free choice to put forth his hand and also take from the Tree of Life and live forever." (Genesis 3:27).

[5.2] Do not even contemplate the notion held by gentile fools, and ignorant Jews, that God decides at birth whether a person will be righteous or wicked. This is not true. Each person has the potential to become a righteous person going in the ways of the prophet Moses our teacher, or to be an evildoer like Yerovam (the evil king, who sinned and made others sin). He may acquire wisdom or foolishness, be compassionate or ruthless, miserly or generous, or have any other character trait. There is no higher power that compels, persuades or decrees which path one must choose. He is on his own accord, he freely chooses the road he wants to follow. Jerimiyah the prophet explained, "It is not at the word of the Most High, that evil or good come forth." (Lamentations 3:38). Meaning that the Creator does not decree that man be evil or righteous; the sinner's punishment is caused by himself. Therefore, a sinner should cry, grieving for his sins and for the harm he has done to his soul. Jerimiyah the prophet hints to this in the following verse, "What shall a living man bemoan? Each one his own sins!" (Lamentations 3:39). Jerimiyah explains: Since we have free choice, it was our decision to commit these wrongs. Therefore we should repent, abstaining from wickedness, since this also is in our control. He continues, "Let us search and examine our ways, and turn back to God." (Lamentations 3:40).

[5:3] The principle of freedom of choice is a basic concept and a pillar on which the entire Torah and mitzvos rest, as it is written, "See, I have set before you today to choose between life and good, and death and evil." (Deuteronomy 30.15). Also, "See, I am placing before you today a blessing and a curse." (Deuteronomy 11:26), implying that the choice is up to the person. A person can do good or evil. Therefore, when the Jews accepted the Torah, God pleaded with them to remain righteous, saying, "If only their hearts would always remain like this." (Deuteronomy 5:26). This implies that God does not force a person to do either good or bad. It is his own decision.

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