The word used by the Torah h,,bu – “I have set before you” to describe the two divergent paths which stand before every Jew seems puzzling. This word appears to be appropriate only to the context of blessing, as it shares a root with the word vb,n (present). Why, then, does the Torah use the same verb to apply to a curse, as well? The Shelah Hakadosh extends this question to include the idea of freedom of decision. When one is confronted with two reads, one leading to success, riches, and fame, and the other leading to trials, pain, and…
