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Why does Parshas Nitzavim contain curses when we want a break before Rosh Hashanah? The Rambam (רמב"ם)'s placement of free will in Hilchos Teshuvah reveals two types of repentance: undoing past actions versus accessing the part of ourselves that remains untouched by our deeds.
This shiur addresses why Parshas Nitzavim contains additional curses when the Gemara (גמרא) establishes that we read the curses of Ki Savo before Rosh Hashanah so the year and its curses should end. The Tosafot suggests we read Ki Savo early to create a buffer, but this week's parsha also contains severe curses, making this explanation problematic. The analysis centers on why the Rambam (רמב"ם) places the discussion of free will (bechira) in the middle of Hilchos Teshuvah rather than in Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah. Rabbi Zweig distinguishes between two understandings of free will: the basic freedom to choose (necessary for any commandments) and freedom from our choices - meaning we are not defined by our past actions.
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Parshas Nitzavim - Devarim 30:11-14
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