Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and sweet new year!
On Rosh Hashanah, we read the Akeidah, the Binding of Isaac. It is said to be one of the tests of Abraham's faith where God tells him to take his son Isaac and bring him to the top of Mount Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice. It is a challenging story that I often question its role in the High Holy Days. Why should we read a story of a God who asks the only believer at the time to sacrifice his own son?
The story, I think, serves two purposes. First, it is a text that speaks out against the other cultures of its time. They would have engaged in child sacrifice, but our God puts a stop to it. (Maybe that should have happened before Abraham had Isaac tied to the alter?!?) Also, it teaches us of Abraham's faith and his willingness to follow God. While we might not admire someone who believes that God has told him to sacrifice his son and then follows through on that belief, we can appreciate Abraham's conviction for what he believes. If only we were so sure of ourselves!
Rosh Hashanah sermon to follow in the coming days...
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