Predestination

Question

Is there a belief in predestination in Judaism, i.e. was Joseph predestined to go Egypt? A related question would then be did God arrange all the events of Joseph’s life or did God just take advantage of events that took place?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Predestination is something that is central to Jewish thought. How much of what we do is predestined? That is a fascinating question!

    The Talmud states that everything is in the hands of the heavens except for one’s fear of the heavens. The commentaries explain that everything is predestined but a person can “overcome” their predestination by drawing closer to God and changing things that might have been otherwise.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team