ROSH HASHANAH

The Power of Desire

(TORAH READING FOR 2nd DAY ROSH HASHANAH)

B’reishis 22:9 "He bound his son, Yitzchak, and placed him on the altar"

[The Torah reading for the second day of Rosh Hashanah is the account of the akeidah (binding or offering up) of Yitzchak].

The main merit of the akeidah of Yitzchak lies in the aspect of yearning for holiness.

This was the main outcome of the test of our Patriarchs, Avraham and Yitzchak, that they succeeded in desiring the slaughter – to die al kiddush Hashem/in the sanctification of G-d’s name.

Since they both desired this, with absolute and true passion, it was accounted as if Yitzchak had actually been slaughtered and offered on the altar – even though Avraham had not hurt him in even a minimal way.

Thus, the main merit of the akeidah was only the desire and yearning for sanctity. And [this had eternal repercussions]: Yitzchak attained such holy longing with absolute truth – willing to make the ultimate sacrifice – that the holy aspect of the souls of the Jewish people, who all derive from Yitzchak, is drawn from that sublime experience. This is why in every single Jew lies a holy soul ready to give itself up for G-d, at any time. And this is why every Jew’s essence and desire is always so strong for G-d – because every one is ready, at any time, to give up his life for G-d. For really, deep down, every Jew has a very great passion for G-d.

This is due to the fact that all of us are children of our forefather Yitzchak – who had been bound on the altar in complete desire, in order to do the will of G-d.

Hilchos Umanin 4:10 (Otzar HaYirah: Desire and Yearning 40)

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