Far be it from me to disagree with the philosophers and historians who cite “ethical monotheism” as Judaism’s great contribution to mankind, but having taken that as a given, it seems to me that it is “free will” that is the Torah’s amazing insight into the human condition. Parshah Re’eh opens simply, “See, this day I set before you blessing and curse.” (Deut. 11:26). God wants us to follow Torah law, but we must choose to do it. Or, as the rabbis put it, everything is in the hands of God, except the fear of God. The idea that we are responsible for our own choices, rather than mere playthings of the gods, means we don’t have an easy out. The “Etz Hayyim” commentary makes an interesting contrast between angels, humans and beasts. Angels, being God’s servants created for various tasks, have no choices. They can only fulfill their Creator’s will Beasts are not responsible for their cruel actions as they act on instinct. Only we have the freedom to choose between good and evil, between blessing and curse. It is up to each of us to choose wisely.