Dots on the letters איו “where is” (male)
Question of “where is” also concerning Avrohom. Dotted letters which are a majority of the letters, are subject to the one, main letter. Most of one’s time is permissible matters (eating, making a living sleeping); those activities need to be for the sake of Heaven.
The Zohar and the Well of Yitzchak
The Zohar refers to this verse as the well of Yitzchak (even though about Avrohom). Avrohom (service of love of G-d) dug the well, but was filled in; Yitzchak (fear of G-d) redug the well and it remained. Proper service centers on love and simchah, but to be long-lasting needs to be preceded with kabolas ol and awe.
Avrohom’s “coercion” to make his guests bless G-d
Avrohom’s “coercion” to make his guests bless G-d; Rabbi Eliezer “shocking” the “ugly” man; the Maharash’s blessings. Those particularly resistant to recognizing G-d, need “pressure” to break down their self-built barriers to reveal what is within. One should spread the knowledge of G-d even when meeting resistance since every Jew really wants to have a connection with G-d.
Story of the RaShab teaches lessons about education
- Train a young child to go beyond barriers and desire spirituality
- Avrohom opened the channels that allows anyone to strive to remove the concealments of this world and experience G-d
- Carry over the same message to one’s dealings with other humans
- Obligation on all to educate their own children and others’ children
No rest since going from level to higher level
Specific aspects of mitzvos are limited, except Torah learning that is unlimited; Tzadikim refer to the unlimited general level of all mitzvos that are from G-d.
Question of the RaShab only after Rashi in this Parsha
G-d did a kindness by visiting Avrohom who was sick. Answer to RaShab that a person must still be worthy of the revelation from G-d. A person (including a child) becomes a worthy vessel after deciding no matter what one’s current spiritual level, one can aspire to a higher level.
Two explanations each with its advantage
One Avrohom spoke to the angels (chol) and one he spoke to G-d (Kodesh).
The uniqueness of the Akeida
The uniqueness of the Akeida that Avrohom had total submission of his ego; this made the breakthrough (opening the channels) of mesiras nefesh for all the Jews for all time. Mesiras nefesh applies not only physical sacrifice, but to any service of G-d. Read Parshas Akeida every day for our everyday battles.
Avrohom set the standard for the mitzvah of Chesed
Avrohom set the standard for the mitzvah of Chesed by putting his entire heart into helping another person.
