Understanding the Talmud
Based on the above explanation that the true martyrdom of Avraham was specifically expressed by the sacrifice of Yitzchak, we can now understand the Talmud’s statement of G-d specifically requesting that Avraham pass this test, so that “men may not say, there was no reality in the earlier ones.”
Passing this trial served as the litmus test for all the tribulations that preceded it. When Avraham proved in this test that he was completely dedicated to G-d in a way that superseded logic, this demonstrated that his previous actions as well, were not driven by rationale and reason, but by his devotion to the Almighty.
Were Avraham not to have passed this test, there would always be room for doubt as to what Avraham was truly all about.
This was the exceptional quality of the tenth test. It was specifically this unique self-sacrifice which expressed Avraham’s true character and which gave us the paradigm through which to view him.
Opening the spigot
When Avraham brought his son as an offering and bound him on an altar before G-d, he opened a new path in serving the Almighty and gave his descendants the ability to have true self-sacrifice. When a Jew gives himself for Almighty, he does so in a way that his whole identity is given over to G-d.
Though our dedication to the Almighty may not seem to be in a way that truly expresses complete devotion, in truth, it is this complete dedication that one has at a soul level that drives him to serve his Maker. A person needs only to express his soul.
We are to learn from Yitzchak to serve G-d with complete dedication.
(Based on Likkutei Sichos 20, reworked by Rabbi Dovid Markel. To see other projects and to partner in our work, see: www.Neirot.com.)
