By Rabbi Dovid Markel
In each generation the question of the notability of Avraham’s sacrifice is asked and answered depending on the paradigm of the individual probing the question.
Some answers say it was his alacrity, others that the command went against the promise that in Yitzchak, Avraham would find progeny. Others still respond that this act went against Avraham’s natural tendency of kindness.
The Torah, certainly has a message no matter the generation, and perhaps to our minds, there is another important message.
For us, in our moral construct, not only would we never consider slaughtering our children, we consider the act totally unethical and immoral.
We tend to worship “the G-d of our understanding” fashioned to fit the moral construct that we relate to the most.
If however, G-d is immoral we either redefine Him – explain away His “flaws” or we abandon Him. Indeed, the accusation of many an atheist, is that even if the G-d of the Bible is real, he is a “terrible” G-d that they have no desire to serve.
It is this question that we are constantly faced with: are we serving our version of morality, repackaging Judaism to fit our narrative or are we serving G-d?
The litmus test is when we are faced with a situation that completely goes against our entire moral system.
In that situation, the individual who realizes that G-d completely transcends our logical system and that realizes that a finite man cannot possibly comprehend an infinite G-d, is separated from the man who serves the G-d fashioned in his own image.
From there it is clear, that even when he understands some rational for the mitzvos, it is not that drives him to fulfill them, but rather the ability to fulfill a directive from the Almighty.
It was in the moment that Avraham was ready to sacrifice his son, contrary to the entire system of ethics that Torah stands for that G-d said: “now I know that you are fearful of the Lord.”
