Genesis 22-23

 Genesis 22 and 23 are too climactic moments in the narratives of Avraham, Sarah and Isaac. 

Following chapter 21 where Ishmael was sent away, Abraham is now asked by the Holy One to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. This is one of the most challenging readings of our Torah, one we read on Rosh Hashanah. 

We wonder what was Avraham thinking? 

Why didn’t he argue with God?

Why was he eager to get up early and go?

Did he know they would return? (He did tell the lads they’d return.)

What was the test?

Having spent a year collecting sources for an anthology of sources on the subject for Rabbi Neil Gillman, I have spent significant hours reading and studying this chapter  what strikes me most is the fact that this sacrifice is not some ancient anomaly but one that we emulate in every generation  

We continually send our young men and women to sacrifice their lives for our values, for our ideals, for our freedoms. We see it as noble, yet criticize Avraham.

Here I am at one of the most contested and meaningful sites in Hebron. The holy site of the tomb of the patriarchs was bought by Avraham in chapter 23 of Genesis.  The deed he acquires was supposed to prevent any future disagreement or debate. He desired to know that his ownership was uncontested-even overpaying to ensure this. 

How can we get to a world where this tomb creates unity rather than division?

How can we create a world where peace is a value in all cultures?