When a Jew studies Torah and reaches the passage, “And G-d appeared to him,” he should be aware that the main subject of the verse – is himself. After all, the Torah does not state, “And G-d appeared to Avraham,” but rather, “And G-d appeared to him.” Further, the Jew studying this passage is a son of Avraham and was also entered into briso shel Avraham Avinu, “the covenant of our father Avraham” – to whom “G-d appeared” specifically in the merit of having given himself a bris milah. Indeed, this very awareness arouses a strong desire to personally witness the revelation of “G-d appeared to him.”
Education
As explained earlier, the events of the Rebbe Rashab’s youth are a harbinger of his later years; he was destined and fit to become Leader of all Jewry, and therefore, his conduct even while very young is a source of instruction for the entire nation concerning their own children’s education. This, then, is the lesson we can learn from the Rebbe Rashab: The manner of education we provide should ensure that even a young child should yearn for a revelation of G-dliness in the manner of “G-d appeared to him” – and the child should even be moved to tears [at the lack of such a revelation].
Make it Happen
Since the child yearns to witness such a revelation, he will certainly do all he possibly can to be considered fit to receive it, through [the efforts of] his own divine service – beginning with the mitzvah of bris milah.
