Bs”d
Parshas Vayeira (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
I wish to share a unique and unconventional understanding of the parsha of akaidas Yitzchok (which I eventually found in the Eben Ezra) based on the understanding of the Chumash on a level of simplicity of the text; the words of Hashem Himself. The title of this greatest of magnificent events is the ‘akaida’ the focus of which is aimed at the “tying” rather than the willingness of Avraham to actually slaughter his son. Likewise the greatness is always attributed to Avraham Avinu which logically should go to Yitzchok for his willingness to be slaughtered. It is clear (22:7) that Yitzchok had no idea that he was selected to be the object of the sacrifice. Avraham Avinu under direct command from Hashem to slaughter his beloved son, had to do so. But Yitzchok not subjected to the command was under the obligation to save his soul. Avraham therefore kept the commandment secret from Yitzchok and when the appropriate time arrived had to forcibly tie Yitzchok who most probably and appropriately offered the utmost of resistance and Avraham to fulfill the commandment had to tie and constrict Yitzchok. Very far from the image of Yitzchok willingly stretching out his neck to be slaughtered. On one hand we find Avraham Avinu attempting one of the greatest acts in the history of the world and Yitzchok with a personal obligation to do everything in his power to sabotage and prevent it from happening.
This crystallizes the awesome obligation on us to constantly weigh and consider the true Will of Hashem placed on us.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.