The Unexpected Path of Avraham

We might expect Avraham to have a utopian life filled with bracha (blessing), a life of wealth and good health, as he deserved it. But that was not to be. We don’t understand Hashem’s ways, but Hashem will never test a person unless He knows that person has the strength to withstand the test. If not, he wouldn’t be tested. Sometimes Hashem tests the greatest.

The Nature of Divine Tests

If Hashem, who is the greatest, loved Avraham more than anyone, it’s because Avraham loved Hashem more than anyone. But Avraham had a tough, difficult life—one hardship after another. Why was Avraham tested again and again? For all future generations of Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people). All the strength any Jew has throughout the ages comes from Avraham. 

Avraham was tested in every aspect of human experience. 

Avraham’s Enduring Influence on Generations

Every test we face today has its roots in Avraham.

Throughout our history, countless acts of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) have been performed by ordinary individuals, many of whom were not strictly observant or frum (religious). This demonstrates that the Jewish spark remains alive within every Jew. The source of this self-sacrifice traces back to Avraham and the trials he endured. Whatever acts of mesirut nefesh we witness today, we owe gratitude to both Hashem and Avraham.

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The above quotes are taken from the original audio/video content.