Avraham’s Rosh Hashana Chinuch Message
One of the great highlights of RH are the two Torah readings, both involving Yitzchak our father. Yitzchak’s birth is the topic for the reading on day one and the binding of Yitzchak, Akedat Yitzchak, the fulfillment of Hashem’s command to Avraham to sacrifice him is the second day’s reading.
The content of both readings fit well into the theme of Rosh Hashana. Hashem remembered Sarah as He promised that she would become pregnant. Hashem’s remembering His people is a central theme of the day. The Akeda is perhaps the most important event by one of the patriarchs, which has led to our salvation in every generation.
However, what is more difficult to understand is why such a significant amount of the Torah reading involves Yishmael. In the first day’s reading there is probably more verses centered on him than Yitzchak. In the second reading, he is not mentioned openly but referred to twice.
In fact, the first day’s reading records Avraham’s personal tragedy of having to cast Yishmael from his home. Sarah demanded his eviction, and Hashem supported her desire because she was afraid he would negatively influence Yitzchak. Our sages justified the eviction because Yishmael was already in his late 20’s and had committed the most reprehensible crimes against humanity.
I want to share the idea that the sacrifice and the pain of raising children will merit for parents’ forgiveness of their sins during the days of repentance. As well as proper parenting of children can help the errant child to return to the path of Hashem.
This following excerpt from the book “Raising Royalty, Volume 1” strongly supports this idea.
HaRav David Trenk, a great Torah educator, said over the following insight right before he blew the shofar on Rosh Hashana. Avraham had one son who never committed a sin and another son who committed the most heinous sins possible. Then why when Hashem said, sacrifice the son that you love, Avraham was not sure which son Hashem was referring to?
The answer is that he loved them both equally. He saw the good and the potential in each one. Despite Yishmael’s behavior, Avraham never ever gave up on him. Therefore, in the end of the parsha, Chazal tell us Yishmael repented.
The story of Avraham and Yishmael is meant to strengthen parents and inspire them to greatness in the art of raising children.
כתיבה וחתימה טובה, תזכו לשנים רבות נעמות וטובות