Daily Rambam · Beginner – Jewish Basics · Bite-Sized
Mishneh Torah, Repentance 5
Hook
Ever feel like your bad habits are just "who you are"? Jewish tradition has a surprisingly empowering answer for you: you aren't stuck.
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Context
- Who: Written by Maimonides (the "Rambam"), a legendary Jewish philosopher and doctor.
- When: 12th century, in his massive code of Jewish law, Mishneh Torah.
- Where: You can find the original text here.
- Key Term: Mitzvot (singular: mitzvah) – A commandment or sacred deed performed to connect with the Divine.
Text Snapshot
"Free will is granted to all men. If one desires to turn himself to the path of good and be righteous, the choice is his. Should he desire to turn to the path of evil and be wicked, the choice is his... There is no one who compels him, sentences him, or leads him towards either of these two paths." — Mishneh Torah, Repentance 5:1
Close Reading
Insight 1: You Are the Driver
Maimonides argues that your character isn't a fixed destiny. Even if you’ve acted a certain way for years, you have the "steering wheel" to change direction right now. You aren't "bad" or "good" by default; you are a person making choices.
Insight 2: Accountability is Respect
It might sound intimidating, but this view is actually deeply respectful. If you were forced to be good or bad, your choices wouldn't really belong to you. Because the choice is yours, your growth—and your goodness—is truly, authentically yours.
Apply It
Pick one small, "autopilot" habit you’d like to change (like snapping at a coworker or skipping a morning stretch). For the next 60 seconds each day, pause before you act. Remind yourself: "I have the power to choose a different path right now." Don't worry about being perfect; just practice the moment of choice.
Chevruta Mini
- If we have total free will, why do we often feel like we can’t stop doing certain things?
- Does believing you are "in charge" of your character make you feel more empowered or more pressured?
Takeaway
You are not a victim of your past or your personality; you have the power to decide who you become today.
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