In this week's Parsha we begin to read about Avraham Avinu and the many tests that he was tested with by Hashem. The Torah hints to one of the tests of Avraham by stating that he left Ur Kasdim. Our sages tell us that this refers to the episode of Avraham risking his life and being thrown into a fiery furnace instead of forsaking his beliefs in G-d. Why is this test though only hinted to? In this test he was willing to sacrifice his life, which we don't find by many of the other tests which are clearly stated. We find a similar occurrence when Avraham is commanded to offer Yitzchak as an offering. This is considered one of the tests of Avraham, but isn't it more fitting to consider this as a test for Yitzchak? Afterall he was the one willing to give up his life.

One of the answers given is that in a certain sense it is easier for a person to die for their beliefs than it is to live for them. The tests we are faced with daily within our lives, the tests that challenge us and our beliefs are in many ways more difficult. We have to live with the strength to overcome these tests and follow in the steps of our father Avraham.

Shabbat Shalom,

May Hashem send a speedy recovery to all of our sick brothers and sisters!

Heath