The binding of isaac challenges8/13/2023 ![]() But collectively, we are blessed to live in freedom, without the persecution of old, unlike Abraham who faced the threat of death for his beliefs. Sadly, some of us are still faced with awful challenges. And especially today, after all that we have endured throughout history, we no longer need, thank G-d, to go through “fire” and face life threatening challenges of pain, suffering and death. With one important qualification: Once Abraham proved himself, his children did not need to be challenged with quite the same intensity. Just as Abraham endured ten challenges, one more difficult than the previous, we, his children, too undergo in our lifetimes ten similar challenges. ![]() All the events that happened with the Patriarchs come to teach us about the future…they were shown what would happen to their descendants (Ramban Lech Lecho 12:6). Each triumph over a challenge lifts us to unprecedented heights.Įverything that happened to the patriarchs is an indication for their children (Midrash Tanchuma Lech Lecho 9. Both Abraham’s profound virtues and his tremendous fortitude is our birthright as children of “our father Abraham.”Įach of us in our own lives will be tested, or rather, challenged.Įach challenge is actually an opportunity to grow – to draw out great strengths from within. Note the Mishne’s emphasis (twice) on “ our father Abraham,” indicating that we all, as his children, inherit the features of our father. Thus, the Mishne can be read: “Our father Abraham was exalted with ten challenges, and he withstood them all – to indicate how great was our father Abraham’s love.” ![]() And, as a result, a deeper, transformative dimension of Divine light manifests in existence. When we pass a difficult test in life, two things happen at once: A deeper part of our soul is revealed, to the point that it can actually bring on true transformation of the human being. Like a banner the challenge spiritually elevates us and allows us to fly high. A “nisayon” – the true test of one’s character – is a challenge that actualizes our potential and brings the best out of us by revealing the powerful forces we carry within. However, these powers remain dormant when unactualized. The same is with a “nisayon,” a challenge: Every person has innate qualities.īy virtue of being created in the “Image of G-d” every soul contains enormous reservoirs of extraordinary potential. A miracle reveals the extraordinary within the ordinary the Divine within the natural. The Hebrew word for “test” (or “challenge”) – “nisayon” – shares the same root with the word “ness,” which means miracle and also banner. Why did Abraham need to be tested? G-d must have known that Abraham had unique qualities and that he would withstand the trials why was it necessary to actually put Abraham through the difficulties he endured? Does every man of faith need to be challenged? Linguists of the world: Please weigh in.) (The standard translation of “nisyonos” in this statement is “tests” or “trials.” But perhaps “challenges” is a more accurate and appropriate translation. And it can be summed up in the concise words of the Mishne: “Our father Abraham was tested with ten challenges, and he withstood them all – to indicate how great was our father Abraham’s love” (Ethics of the Fathers 5:3). ![]() This week’s Torah portion tells the story of Abraham. What was Abraham’s secret? What shaped this man? From where did he derive the power and courage to defy the tide of his times? How can we emulate Abraham and acquire his courage in our own lives? It was Abraham’s embrace of a higher set of values of love, generosity and service that forged the standard for the basic human rights that we take today for granted. He stood up to an entire selfish world and trail blazed a spiritual path to life, forever changing history. Abraham, “father of all nations,” was the first true pioneer.
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