The Sacrifice of Avraham

Rav Kook added an interesting point to the story of Akeidat Yitzchak. He commented that when Avraham Avinu was told by the angel that he would not have to sacrifice his son, his reaction was surprising.

He initially felt a sense of disappointment. He was afraid that his “sacrifice” was not accepted because it was blemished in some way. He only realized later that he was only supposed to “offer” his son as a sacrifice. He was never told to slaughter him.

He then understood that he had passed a Divine test of faith and loyalty, which was cause for rejoicing.

This also explains why we read this story every morning in our Siddur. This was the example of absolute faith to follow Hashem’s word, regardless of how illogical or unfair it might seem to be.

Dr, Eliezer Berkovitz, a noted Jewish philosopher, made a similar point based on what he felt was an extra word in the Torah. When Avraham looked up, he noticed a ram stuck in the thickets. The Torah add the word, אחר, to that verse.

It sounds as if the word, אחר, meant, “different,” according to Dr. Berkovitz. At this point, he no longer saw his son as his son, but saw him as a sacrifice. The ram was a “different” sacrifice.

This demonstrates Avraham Avinu’s unshakable faith, and deep trust, and love for Hashem.

Unfortunately, we have known numerous martyrs in our history. Nevertheless, Avraham Avinu stood out for the manner in which, he showed this devotion.

This level of faith also allows us use the זכות אבות, the merits of our patriarchs, as a reason for us to find salvation as a nation, and as individuals. We begin each Shmone Esrei, the Amida Service, by praising G-d as מגן אברהם, the protector of Avraham. May we continue to find merit and protection because of the greatness of our father, Abraham.