In this solo episode, Daniel Benarroch returns to What Matters Most for the start of Season 2 with one of the most challenging and essential topics in spiritual life: free will.

Drawing from classical Jewish sources, Kabbalah, the writings of Rambam and Rabbi Soloveitchik, and even a memorable scene from The Matrix, Daniel explores the deep paradox between free will and determinism. Are our choices truly our own? If God knows everything, what does choosing even mean? And how can these seemingly opposite forces actually work together in our spiritual growth?

Daniel offers a compelling framework to understand the difference between fate—what happens to us—and destiny—what we create from those experiences. He explains why responsibility lies at the heart of free will, how choice aligns us with our higher soul, and how every decision, no matter how small, contributes to the collective tikkun of the world.

This episode invites listeners into a reflective journey on agency, purpose, and the profound Jewish idea that each of us is a co-creator of reality, moving the world closer to Geula—redemption—one conscious choice at a time.

Perfect for anyone interested in spirituality, philosophy, Kabbalah, or navigating life with more intentionality.

Takeaways

• Free will exists alongside determinism, creating a duality.
• Our choices often involve struggles between desires and higher values.
• The purpose of creation is to heal and elevate our souls.
• Time allows us to process choices and experiences gradually.
• Fate is what happens to us; destiny is how we respond.
• Responsibility is key in understanding our choices and their impacts.
• Every decision, no matter how small, can have significant consequences.
• We are co-creators in our lives, shaping our destinies through choices.
• The subjective nature of truth in today's world complicates our understanding of free will.
• Transforming fate into purpose is essential for spiritual growth.