Geulas HaNefesh in Practice
The great test of the Akeidah was this: after HaKadosh Baruch Hu had promised Avraham Avinu that his offspring after him would continue his path of revealing Hashem's presence in the world, and now He commanded him to slaughter his son – one might have thought that the great love had been annulled, chas v'shalom. But Avraham Avinu did not think so; he continued to believe in HaKadosh Baruch Hu's choice of the Jewish soul, even when outwardly there seemed to be no reason for it. From him we learn to strengthen ourselves in simple emunah in HaKadosh Baruch Hu's choice of us, at every time and in every situation!
a. When it seems he is not wanted – When it seems to a person that Hashem no longer desires him, chas v'shalom, let him know clearly that this is the claim of the Satan, and not be confused by it, but say in his heart like Avraham Avinu: “My love has not moved” – HaKadosh Baruch Hu chose me and I chose Him.
b. He rose early in the morning – When the will of Hashem presents itself to him, let him not wait and not hesitate, but do His will at once and with alacrity.
c. A choice that depends on nothing – Let him strengthen his emunah not only that Hashem created the world and is all-powerful, but also that He chose His people Yisrael and him personally, and this choice does not depend on his situation or his deeds.
d. Judgment and mercy together – Let him accustom himself to keep the mitzvos with precision, and at the same time recognize Hashem's mercy within them; and when he can learn only for a short time, let him do so with joy, for that is his task now.
e. Living for Hashem – Let him not run away from the world, but take upon himself true mesirus nefesh to live in it with emunah, and to reveal each day that Hashem is here.
f. At the blowing of the shofar – When he hears the sound of the shofar and remembers the Akeidah, let him awaken in his heart that the bond between him and Hashem is eternal, even if to the eye it appears otherwise; and throughout the year let him accept his lack of success with love and in silence.
May the merit of the Akeidah of Yitzchak protect us and all of Yisrael, Amen
