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The Akeidah

The Binding of Issac

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The Akeidah: The Binding of Issac

The Binding of Issac and the Meaning of Jewish Martyrdom
Related Text: Lessons in Tanya (English & Hebrew): Chapter 18
Tanya in English (1973 Edition): Chapter 18
Audio: Listen to Audio | Download this MP3
Topics: Tanya - Lekutei Amarim: Chapter 18, Binding of Isaac, Self Sacrifice
Tanya - Lekutei Amarim: Chapter 18 Binding of Isaac Self Sacrifice
Rabbi Ben-Tzion Krasnianski is director of Chabad Lubavitch of the Upper East Side in Manhattan
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Luiz Costa November 14, 2018

Isn’t Torah the Blue-print of the Universe? So, Abraham was not under the “you shall not kill kill” from the mount Simai deliverance of Torah, so he was expected to obey this command, even though in contradiction with G-d’s future revelation of the law? We even learn that G-d crated the iniverse much earlier than Abraham using the Torah as its blue-print! How could He violate His own rules or deceive Abraham in doing so - a sort of abuse of power?! Reply

Simcha Bart for Chabad.org November 14, 2018
in response to Luiz:

Yet G-d knew in advance that He would stop Abraham, as He only told Abraham to bring his son up - G-d never actually said to kill him, nor did G-d ever intend for Abraham to kill his son. As far as Abraham was concerned, the fact that G-d specifically and directly ordered Abraham to do this, supersedes any and all commands. Reply

Luiz USA/MI November 15, 2018
in response to Simcha Bart for Chabad.org:

Perhaps I missed some details am lost in translation, then. Didn’t Torah describe G-d commanding Abrahm to offer his son Itzachak in sacrifice, which would have implied to kill him? Reply

Eve May 4, 2025
in response to Luiz:

It was a TEST of obedience & trust. When G-D tells you to do something you do it. It was the template for the main aspect of faith. HE is the Master of All not your arrogant reasoning particularly compared. Reply

Ben Tzion Krasnianski November 20, 2012

Response to Ana Dear Ana,

Yes while it's true that there were many spiritual giants before Avrohom, they were insular, their effect on their surrounding negligible. The best proof is Noah who heroically and single handedly saved the world but only by saving his own family while letting everyone else drown. Avrohom, however, challenged and inspired the masses to become aware of the truth and reality of G-d.

All the best,
Ben Tzion Krasnianski Reply

ana alarcon November 3, 2012

THE AKEIDA I have a Q? if G-d was irrelevant in the days of Abraham, what about Melchizedek King of Salem? priest of G-d the Most High? Reply

Psychology of the Soul
A series of video classes that expound upon mystical themes from the classic Chassidic work of Tanya.
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