Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 30:15 mean when it says 'I have set before you life and good, and death and evil'?
A: This verse means that Hashem gives every person free will to choose between following the Torah's commandments (which lead to life and goodness) or turning away from them (which leads to death and evil). Rashi explains that this is a fundamental principle in Judaism—our choices have real consequences.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 30:15 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes personal responsibility in serving Hashem. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Teshuvah that free will is a cornerstone of Torah—without it, mitzvot and repentance would be meaningless. This verse reminds us that our choices shape our spiritual destiny.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 30:15 apply to our lives today?
A: Just as in biblical times, we face daily choices between good and evil—whether in speech, business ethics, or mitzvah observance. The Sforno explains that 'life' refers to clinging to Torah wisdom, while 'death' means rejecting it. Every moral decision we make brings us closer to one path or the other.
Q: What does 'before you this day' mean in Deuteronomy 30:15?
A: The phrase 'this day' teaches that the choice is constantly before us, as the Talmud (Eruvin 22a) states: 'Every day the voice of Mount Sinai goes forth.' The Midrash Tanchuma adds that Torah guidance is always accessible, like something placed directly before our eyes.
Q: How do Jewish sources interpret 'life and good' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 33b) connects 'life' with Torah study and 'good' with acts of kindness. Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that true 'good' means serving Hashem with joy, while 'evil' refers to being drawn after physical desires that distance us from spiritual growth.
Understanding the Verse
The verse (Devarim 30:15) presents a fundamental choice between two paths: "life and good" versus "death and evil." This dichotomy underscores the principle of free will (bechirah chofshit), a cornerstone of Jewish belief. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:1) emphasizes that every individual has the ability to choose between good and evil, and this verse serves as a direct affirmation of that divine gift.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that "See, I have set before you" implies that the choice is clearly visible and accessible. The phrase "this day" suggests immediacy—the opportunity for choosing life is always present, not deferred to some distant future. Rashi further notes that "life and good" are intertwined, as adhering to mitzvot leads to both spiritual vitality and moral goodness, while "death and evil" result from abandoning the Torah's path.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:17) elaborates that this verse encapsulates the Torah's ethical framework. The "good" refers to fulfilling mitzvot and aligning with divine wisdom, which brings true life (chayei olam), whereas "evil" represents sin, which leads to spiritual decay—a form of death even in this world.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Chatam Sofer (Torah Moshe) links this verse to the mitzvah of teshuvah (repentance). Even after choosing wrongly, one can return to "life and good" through sincere repentance. The verse’s phrasing—"before you"—highlights that the choice is personal and individual, not collective.
Philosophical Depth
Rabbi Yehudah Halevi (Kuzari 2:50) teaches that "life" here denotes closeness to Hashem (devekut), while "death" is spiritual alienation. The "good" is the joy of divine service, and "evil" is the emptiness of worldly pursuits devoid of Torah.