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A few weeks ago, some friends of ours participated in a unique kind of race – they took the Tough Mudder challenge. Tough Mudder is a tough (as the name implies) mentally and physically challenging 10 mile obstacle course.
Why did they do it? Because when we overcome challenges we become stronger, more determined and more committed.
The Torah is a book of guidance; it doesn’t include many seemingly relevant historical details, rather it includes the messages that are needed in order to guide us. This is especially true with the information that is shared about our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The details that the Torah includes are due to their educational value.
A surprising story is found in this week’s Torah portion. Abraham is commanded by G-d to offer his only son, born late in his life, as a sacrifice! This story is really troubling to so many; why would G-d command Abraham to do such a sadistic thing? Even though Abraham was stopped at the last minute, why would G-d put Abraham through the trauma of binding his son, laying him on an alter and raising a knife towards him!? Never mind the trauma that his son Isaac would experience!
(There are many insights in this account and you can read some here, here and here).
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.” Perhaps this quote will help us understand the significance of the binding of Isaac; this test (the last of ten) demonstrated the commitment with which Abraham lived.
If you are Jewish today, it is only because one of your ancestors lived their life with such dedication that they were literally ready to die to preserve their Judaism.
Today, by and large, we are not faced with that level of challenge. The question is can we find the courage and conviction necessary to live a committed Jewish life, even when faced with much lesser challenges. Are we committed enough to buy Kosher even though it may be more expensive? Are we committed enough to go to synagogue even though there is soccer practice or swim meet?
No longer is the question are we ready to die for Judaism; today the question is are we ready to live for Judaism? Become a Jewish Tough Mudder! Challenge yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually!