In this week's parsha we read about the binding of Yitzchak. This is a tremendously important episode in which Avraham Avinu was tested with possibly one of the most difficult tests of any parent. Our sages say that the merit of Avraham's passing this test is something that continues with the Jewish People to this very day. Each year on Rosh Hashana we blow the shofar which alludes to the merit of the ram which Avraham sacrificed in place of Yitzchak and we pray that Hashem should remember this episode as a merit for us.

In our lives we are all faced with tests and we need to realize that passing our tests may very well be a merit not only for us but for all of our descendants. It is these tests that establish us, the course of our lives and the lifestyle and path for our children and grand-children. We can all think back on pivotal moments in our parents and grandparents lives, tests they were faced with that shaped the course of our very own existence and lifestyle. Once we realize how impactful these tests are, it will hopefully help us overcome them when we are faced with them.   

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath