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The Sacrifice of Isaac

How to Study Torah - Vayeira

Topics:   Binding of IsaacVayeira
We study the enigmatic story of the Akeida with a special focus on Abraham’s response when G-d stops him at the last moment.

By Mendel Kaplan   More articles...  |   RSS Listing of Newest Articles by this Author
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the founder and spiritual leader of Chabad @ Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, he also serves as a Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service.

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: Dec 29, 2011
G-d's Voice
It says "G-d told him to sacrifice Isaac"? But how is it people can "hear an unseen G-d"? Internally?

All believers have to decide for themselves what they think G-d's will is. And the only way we can be sure - is that it would not be a harmful situation, or it would be protective. I just don't think G-d would ever ask a parent to do this.

The only similar situation might be a parent advising a child to join the military during war. And I think at the age of 18 - one should be able to make a sane decision - an independent choice - not one based on what others tell you to do. (just refuse any actions that appear insane)
Posted By Anonymous, Westerville, OH-USA

Posted: Nov 13, 2011
Please clarify for me
In Torah episode with sending Ishmael with Hagar away preceded Akeidah, so how Ishmael could be there. And as we know Sarah Ahminu passed away right after Akeidah, so I thought the sequence of events is follow: Sarah’s talk to Abraham, Ishmael’s departure, Akeidah and Sarah’s passing away. But you said Ishmael was there and I am a little bit confused.
Thank you very much!
Posted By Meira, League City

Posted: Nov 11, 2011
Penn State
In the light of what occured at Penn State recently and the atrocities of the Pedophiles in the catholic church it brings home the message of this discussion. G-d states in the bible, what happens in private is G-d business to handle, but what happens in public and people see it then it becomes our problem to stop. Where are the heroes of this culture? People saw, and didn't stop, people heard, and didn't stiop it, people abused and not one person stopped them. Where are the innocents champions? When those witnesses were tested by G-d, they failed to act, and these children were sacrificed. The answers are all in the Torah, if only more people would read and learn. Instead, they worship at the altar of selfishness.
Posted By Catherine , NY, NY

Posted: Nov 11, 2011
The Sacrifice of Iisaac
Rabbi Mendel. just when I thought you could not get better in your teachings, you do this!

It was an excellent imterpretation and now gives a real meaning to the Akedah -the binding of Isaac.

Thank you for another wonderful lesson. I am so greatful as well for Chabad.org, for their continued dedication in Judaism.
Posted By D. Edelman, Bellevue, WA

Posted: Nov 10, 2011
Brilliant shiur
Thanks for a brilliant shiur! A wonderful way of giving over a shiur.

Thank you so much
Posted By Anonymous, London, UK

Posted: Nov 10, 2011
The binding of Isak
Thank you for explaining love between father and son, also for explaining their ages! Only one thing: I have been thinking: Abraham might have learned from the fact that it was not in flesh (by Ismael) he (Abraham) himself should try to fullfill G-ds promise ( brought troubles), but he had learned to obey, trust and wait for G-d. He had learned that G-d has all powers over life and death, and he must have learned that G-d doesnt lie, and G-d had told it was through Isak G-ds promise would be fullfilled, so I think he, in some strange way must have had an inner hope and believed that G-d would raise Isak up from death, and that was why he told the others that "we" will come back. To me this makes the whole story even more spescial, and Abraham not at alll less riighteous, and not at all less obedient or his walk not the slightest more easy, but an act of love and belief that G-d keeps His promises no matter if the material contradicts, through this very very extremly difficult test
Posted By Anonymous, Oslo, Norway

Posted: Nov 9, 2011
Wonderful Class
Thank you for the class, my first time using this, and I used this to distract me while i walked on the treadmill, much better then TV.
Posted By Shaina, USA, NY

Posted: Nov 8, 2011
The Sacrifice Of Isaac
Rabbi Kaplan.
I want to thank you for having such a passion, patience, and devotion to teaching, Every class that I have watched so far, I have been able to understand, stay focused, and recognize how to apply it to my daily life. On this teaching of a sacrifice, I understand that we as children listen to our parents up to a certain age, but once we pass our 30's we just hear them and hesitate to follow. I understand now that if Isaac was willing to accept the words of his father and follow at the age of 37, is because of the trust and obedience he had in his father and because he understood it was Hashem’s will. We should follow this example, and listening to our parents because they will always have a wisdom that Hashem gives them, & without arguing with them do what they need us to do for them. After each video I talk with my Mom & explain what I learned from your class. and she is able to give me her point of views and I learn even more. THANK YOU FOR HAVING THAT LOVE FOR TORAH
Posted By Basha Cohen, Avenel, NJ



 

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