ABSTRACT
The concepts of freedom, hope and responsibility are integrally intertwined in Jewish thought. Rather than regarding freedom and responsibility as opposites, a powerful, mainstream current in Jewish philosophy perceives a person’s freedom – the divine blessing of free will – as the predicate for moral responsibility. Events are not predetermined. A person possesses the power to control his actions and, thereby, to improve himself and to contribute to the improvement of others, of the community, and of the world. This inherent ability produces an ever-present opportunity for us to achieve spiritual enlightenment, justice and love. In turn, this potentiality implies a moral duty to act responsibly so as to realise these aspirations.
