The power of choice

In this week’s Torah portion, Shelach, we encounter a subtle but powerful shift in the way G-d interacts with the Jewish people. When the people ask to send spies to explore the Land of Israel, G-d responds to Moshe/Moses, saying, “Shelach lecha.” (Send for yourself) – “I’m not commanding you. If you want, you can send.”

This moment is striking. Until now, the Jewish people had received clear commands from G-d. Now, the decision is left to human initiative. Moshe must choose. The people must decide. It’s the first time we’re given a moment of freedom of choice without direct instruction.

This isn’t just a story about ancient spies. It reflects one of the deepest principles of our faith. As Maimonides famously writes, every person can choose to be as righteous as Moshe or, G-d forbid, the opposite. No-one is forced down a path. G-d gave us something no other creature has: free will.

There are two ways we use this gift. The first is in following G-d’s explicit commandments. We’re told to keep Shabbos, to give tzedakah (charity), to eat kosher, and so on. Sometimes it’s hard. Our habits and desires might pull us another way. But with effort, we choose what’s right.

The second is more subtle. There are many areas of life where there’s no clear halacha (Jewish law), no direct mitzvah. It’s the realm of what’s permitted. Here, too, we’re meant to elevate ourselves, to shape our character and our conduct in a way that aligns with G-d’s values. As the Ethics of our Fathers teaches, “Make His will your will.” Not just when it’s commanded, but when it’s up to you.

This was the deeper idea behind the spies. Entering the land of Israel meant the end of the miraculous desert experience. No more manna from heaven or clouds of glory. Life would now require initiative. Fields had to be plowed. Food had to be earned. G-d would still be present, but not always obviously. The Jewish people had to learn to build a life in which the physical and spiritual would be one. A home for G-d in everyday life.

And yes, they made the wrong choice. The spies returned afraid. The people panicked. But failure is also part of free choice. That’s where teshuvah (repentance) comes in. The power to return, to grow, even from mistakes. In fact, the rabbis tell us that a baal teshuvah can reach higher than someone who has never sinned. Because when the heart chooses deeply, it connects even more.

Each of us is on a mission. We’re sent into this world not just to follow instructions, but to choose well, to elevate our surroundings, and to bring G-d into everything we do. We are, quite literally, G-d’s shluchim (emissaries) in the world.

May we each carry out our mission with clarity, with heart, and with strength, and may it bring the coming of Moshiach.