Free choice is a cornerstone of moral responsibility—without it, concepts like judgment, blame, and punishment become meaningless. Yet, the notion of free will is not as straightforward as it seems. Even if we believe humans possess free will, what happens when it is repeatedly misused? Can it diminish over time, or even disappear altogether?
In Parashat Shemot, God first appears to Moses in the burning bush, leading to a pivotal moment when Moses dares to ask God for His name. God responds in a manner that has been the subject of profound theological reflection.