The test of the Akeida. What is the meaning of a test altogether? Doesn’t He know who we are and what we’ll choose? VAYEIRA 2006 – FROM THE POTENTIAL TO THE ACTUAL This is a powerful class on the question of why Hashem tested Avraham and why he tests us. The classic commentaries explain that a test is for the benefit of the person being tested or to demonstrate loyalty to Hashem among other concepts. The Chassidic concept is that a test is an impossible challenge. Further, Hashem is expecting us to behave irrationally to overcome a test. When we do, it lifts us up to an extremely high level. Sources include the Ramban, Even Ezra, Rashbam, Rambam, Ralbag, and Sichos. The class ends with a dramatic story of an Israeli soldier’s yechidus (private meeting) with the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
