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<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman">On 2/05/2013 2:12 PM, Rich, Joel
wrote:<BR>> I think the larger question is what does it mean for one who is
no<BR>> longer in this world to pray or to grant mechilah. Is there some
type<BR>> of bechirah chofshit that survives death?<BR><BR>RZS
responded:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman">Yes, absolutely. Why would you think
otherwise?<BR><BR>CM remarks:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman">My understanding has always been in line with
RJR. I have been under the impression that bechira derives from the harkava of
the neshama with the guf. Neither capable of bechira on their own. The
neshama of its own is tehora and will make the “right” choice. It is the joining
to the guf that enables bechira. This is the reason that a meis is naseh chofshi
min hamitzvos, as he is now not a bal bechira anymore since the body and neshama
have now been separated. Furthermore, if there is no bechira then there can be
no sechar ve’onesh for “actions” after death. According to RZS, the reason for
naseh chofshi min hamitzvos would have no rationale and must be a gezeiras
hakosuv – mitzvos only during life – but bechira and sechar ve’onesh continue
after life?? </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"></DIV>
<DIV><BR><FONT face=Calibri>RJR wrote:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>> If so, why is there no reward/punishment for decisions made in
the<BR>> olam haemet?<BR></DIV>
<DIV>RZS reponded:<BR>Who said there isn't? </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Calibri></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Calibri>CM:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Calibri>See my remarks above.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Calibri></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Calibri>RZS wrote:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>On the contrary, Navoth was punished for his<BR>eagerness to act as
Hashem's agent to punish Ach'av.</FONT><BR><BR>CM remarks:</DIV>
<DIV>I am not sure of your meaning here. There must some medrash or gemara you
are refering to?</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Kol tuv</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Chaim Manaster</DIV>
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