"See, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse." (Devarim 11.26)

Rabbi Elazar said: As the Almighty said this at Sinai, at the same hour (Aycha 3.38): "It is not from the mouth of the Highest One that evil and good emanate" but of itself does evil befall the evil doer, and good comes to the good doer." (Devarim Rabbah 4.3)

There are laws of nature that accompany us each and every day. No one would contemplate challenging these laws, for we are dependent on their normal functioning. Even when testing the boundaries of our human abilities, as when man leaves the confines of the earth's atmosphere to explore the space beyond, the physical laws of nature are painstakingly calculated, for without them our survival is threatened. Even momentary denial of the physical laws of nature could spell disaster, and therefore, we are so closely bound to them.

Just as the physical world has fixed laws that govern it, so, too, do the spiritual and moral dimensions of our existence. These laws are also meant to safeguard our personal survival, and they, too, cannot be suspended even briefly. If we deviate from them, we pay a price.

Reward and punishment are inherent in man's good and evil actions. By his actions man brings upon himself success or failure. This message is brought by our sages: "... of itself does evil befall the evil doer, and good comes to the good doer." Good and evil are part of our behavior. Reward and punishment are not separate from the actions which they follow. They are integral aspects of the good or evil deeds we do. This portion's opening verse teaches this basic principle of our faith - man's free choice between good and evil.

As the Sages teach us, "All is in God's hands, except the fear of God." Choices regarding man's moral behavior are in his own hands. Still, the Torah advises us (Devarim 30.19): "... and you will choose life."

The laws governing our spiritual existence, just as the physical laws of nature, cannot be modified or manipulated or compromised and by his adherence to them, man defines the limits of life's blessings.