Do We Really Have Free Will? Fate, Astrology, and Divine Justice Explained

Zehava asks: "Shalom Rabbi! How does Hashem run the world if everything is already decreed by fate and astrological signs for every person? If that’s the case, why is a person born under a ‘bad sign’ at fault? What kind of free will does someone have if they were born with a stronger evil inclination than others? And a second question that seems like a contradiction: Why did the Sages say that someone who enters a dangerous place could die before their time? Is danger stronger than the appointed time of death that was decreed in Heaven?"

Shalom and blessings to you, Zehava, and thank you for your important questions.

Our Sages taught that even before a person is born, it is decreed in Heaven whether they will be "strong or weak, wise or foolish, rich or poor — but whether they will be righteous or wicked is not said" (Talmud Niddah 16b). This teaches us that many of life’s circumstances are indeed decreed from Heaven, yet a person’s moral and spiritual choices remain completely in their hands. As the Sages said: “Everything is in the hands of Heaven, except for fear of Heaven” (Brachot 33).

Regarding your question about astrology or “mazal” (fate), every person is born into unique circumstances with specific inclinations, struggles, and life conditions tailored to their personal soul’s rectification, often based on actions or unfinished spiritual repairs from previous lifetimes. This explains why one person may face trials that another does not. Each person was sent to the world to fulfill their own mission.

However, mazal only defines a person’s starting point, but not their destination. Through their choices, a person can completely alter their path. For example, the Talmud tells us that King David was born under the planet Mars (associated with bloodshed), which might have predisposed him to be a killer. Instead of using that tendency destructively, he channeled it toward holy purposes by defending the Jewish people and serving God. So, rather than becoming a murderer, he became one of the greatest and holiest kings of Israel.

Even someone born with a strong inclination toward sin still has free will to direct that energy positively. A person born with a "bloody nature" can become a mohel (performing circumcision), a shochet (ritual slaughterer), or a surgeon who saves lives through that very same nature.

Moreover, the Sages said: “The greater the person, the greater their inclination” (Sukkah 52a). The more spiritually elevated a person is, the harder their inner struggles may be, because their soul has greater potential and thus faces greater tests. The more effort it takes to fulfill a mitzvah, the greater the reward: “According to the effort is the reward” (Pirkei Avot 5:23).

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Regarding your second question, if a person can die before their time by entering a dangerous place. Yes, and here’s why: Doing so is a form of recklessness, violating the Torah’s commandment, “Take great care for your lives” (Deuteronomy 4:15). In such cases, the person may be judged in Heaven more strictly. Even if their designated time of death had not arrived, their sins or spiritual debt might be weighed, and a fatal decree could result.

Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa once placed his hand into a deadly snake’s den, and the snake died instead of him. He then carried the snake on his shoulder and said: “It is not the snake that kills, but sin that kills” (Berachot 33a). Danger doesn’t override Heaven’s will, but when a person endangers themselves, it may awaken judgment upon them.

Even if the person survives, the Talmud teaches: “They deduct from their merits” (Shabbat 32a), meaning, they are saved only by using up merits they would have otherwise kept for the World to Come.

In summary,

• God determines the challenges we face, but not the moral path we choose.

• Every person has full free will to direct even their worst tendencies for good.

• The greater the test, the greater the potential reward.

• Jews are not bound by fate. Through repentance, prayer, and charity, we can overturn even harsh decrees.

• Taking reckless risks is spiritually dangerous, not because nature overrides Heaven, but because it invites judgment.

May you merit clarity, strength, and confidence in your divine path, and may your sincere questions always be answered with light and wisdom.