GEN62 That which separates the human being from all other creatures in the universe is his ability to choose his own path in life; only man has free choice.  This is what is meant by the Torah phrase “Man is made in God’s image.”  The first story in the Torah demonstrates man’s ability to choose. God commands man not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge, but man defies Him and eats anyway (Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:1-6).  Seforno commentary, this verse.  Just as only God has freedom in the universe, so does God grant freedom only to man, that is, in His image. The first story in the Torah demonstrates man’s ability to choose. God commands man not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge, but man defies Him and eats anyway. (Genesis 2:16-7 and 3:1-6). Of course, there are always consequences for the choices man makes, whether in the moral or the amoral areas of life. But choice is granted as part of daily existence. Just as the Torah begins in the first story with a commandment, but, at the same time, it stresses man’s freedom to choose. By the end of the Torah, after almost all of the 613 commandments are given, God reaffirms man’s right to choose his own path in life. (Deuteronomy 3):15 and 30:19). AMEMEI 34