Destiny; Fate

I would recall the bare beauty of the tree, and wonder again why G‑d had left the tree upside-down. What could an inverted tree possibly contribute to the world?

The word mazal (מזל) is sometimes translated as “luck,” Interestingly, the word massel also means luck in German and Dutch, indicating that it possibly crept into these languages from the popular Jewish usage. something that happens perchance. In fact, it...

Fate and destiny in the thought of Rabbi J.B. Soloveitchik.

Parshat V’zot HaBerachah has two focuses: the blessing that Moses bestows on Israel before his death and the account of his death.

There is a deep connection between the word Vayikra and the underlying message of the book as a whole.

Just before entering the Promised Land, two and a half of the Twelve Tribes ask for special permission to settle on the other side of the Jordan River. If they were meant to settle in that place, then why didn't G-d assign it to them to begin with? And if...

Learn about the unusual procedure by which the Tribes of Israel were assigned to their portion in the Land. What does this teach us about providence, predetermination and fate?

When King Balak hired the evil prophet Bilam to curse the Jews, G-d told Bilam, (Bamidbar 22:12) "Do not curse the nation for they are blessed." But when Balak sent more officers to ask Bilaam again, he told them, (22:19) "Stay here tonight, and I will kn...