Sidonie Loomer
Parashat Vayera contains many complex issues. One of the problems of preparing a Dvar Torah on this parsha is the wealth of stories within this fascinating section.
I could have spoken about the story of Sodom and Gommorah, social injustice, or even the importance of hospitality. It is difficult to focus on one theme but I was moved by the Akedah, the story of the binding of Isaac and its meaning in terms of loyalty to G-d.
Rabbis and scholars have long struggled with the question of Avraham's blind obedience to G-d's will.
When G-d first approached Avraham, he ordered him to take his son Isaac to Mount Moriah as a sacrifice. What was Avraham's response? Did he argue? Did he plead for his son's life? Did he offer himself in his son's place? What was he thinking?
Unfortunately the Torah does not reveal Avraham's' thoughts when confronted by this terrible demand. It is left to us to try and understand the level of faith and loyalty that would allow Avraham to act without question.
The Midrash gives us possibilities of Avraham's response. Rabbi Eliezer presents a scenario where Avraham is less absolute in his faith than was suggested in the Torah.
"When God commanded Avraham, "Take your son..." Avraham did not set out immediately. He asked, "Which son?" God answered, "Your favoured one..." Then Avraham said, "But I have two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. And one is favoured by his mother , and the other is favoured by his mother." So God answered: "Take the one whom you love..." And Avraham replied, "I love them both, so how can I choose?" Finally God told him, "Take Isaac."
Avraham's confusion during G-d's request could be interpreted as hesitancy, a need to evaluate and examine what G-d was asking him to do. He did not march off immediately toward Mount Moriah. Indeed according to the Midrash, Avraham waited until the next morning to leave. Perhaps his was not a "blind faith but a "questioning one".
Another interpretation of Avraham's faith is found In the book, Guide for the Perplexed. Moses Maimonides explained God's request as a test, saying that "the purpose of all tests mentioned in the Torah is to teach human beings how they are to act"...
Avraham is commanded to sacrifice his son... And, because he feared G-d and loved to do what G-d commanded, he thought little of his beloved child, and set aside all his hopes concerning him and agreed to kill him... Therefore, the angel said to him: "For now I know that you fear God," which means that from Avraham's action... we can learn how far we must go in the fear of G-d. This view reflects what I believe is a more sensible understanding of Avraham's relationship with G-d. Avraham's experience with G-d was unique in that he had personal, dynamic, day to day encounters with G-d and the power of G-d. Avraham knew on a profound level that everything would work out.
But where does that leave us in the Great Faith Sweepstakes?
As the world evolves, G-d's gift of free will takes on a greater importance. We are all confronted by difficult choices and conflicting views of what we should do and how we should behave. Rather than blind obedience, we have been given the responsibility of deciding what is right or wrong. These are the tests we are asked to complete now. And it is now that the teachings of the Torah gain fresh significance, as a guide to help us through the difficult path of being a good human being, a mensch.
As I stand here today, I wonder what tests G-d will have for me. My parents have given me a strong foundation of love and security. I have been fortunate to have a Jewish education in a supportive environment. And I am surrounded by family and friends who will offer advice when I need it and maybe when I don't. But I know that whatever is in store for me, I will always treasure and draw strength from my Jewish heritage.
Shabbat shalom.