[5:1] Freedom of choice to follow the laws of God or not to follow them, is granted to all men. If a person wants to follow the path of virtue, becoming a tzaddik (righteous person), that is his choice. Similarly, he can choose to follow the road of evil, becoming a rosha (wicked person). After Adam sinned, the Bible says, "Man has now become like one of us in knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:22). Meaning, mankind has become unique in the world. Only man, with his knowledge and thought, can distinguish good from evil and choose between the two. Adam and Eve were sentenced to die for their sin as they were forewarned. Therefore, Adam had to be expelled and banished from the Garden of Eden, because he now had free choice to put forth his hand and also take from the Tree of Life and live forever." (Genesis 3:27).

[5.2] Do not even contemplate the notion held by gentile fools, and ignorant Jews, that God decides at birth whether a person will be righteous or wicked. This is not true. Each person has the potential to become a righteous person going in the ways of the prophet Moses our teacher, or to be an evildoer like Yerovam (the evil king, who sinned and made others sin). He may acquire wisdom or foolishness, be compassionate or ruthless, miserly or generous, o