In this shiur, we will discuss the significance of the akeida, in particular contrasting it to the story of Hagar and Yishmael that precedes it. What was Avraham thinking when he was told to sacrifice his son? And what was the nature of the promise that he received after the test?
This week we will concentrate on Avraham’s religious commitment and devotion. Of course, the most obvious example is the akeida, in which Avraham, in a profound act of faith, is asked to sacrifice not only his son, but his moral teachings as well. I prefer, however, a less obvious and probably less known example.
Avraham's argument with God regarding the possibility of sparing Sedom is difficult to understand, as is the absence of the mention of Lot from the discussion. What was Avraham trying to accomplish, and did he succeed in the end?
The episode of Lot's rescue from Sedom raises many interesting questions: Why does Rashi connect this event to Pesach? Why did Lot's daughters think the world was destroyed? And where did they get that fateful bottle of wine?
