BACK TO THE FUTURE

     The best way to predict the future is to create it. Everyone is speaking about the film produced in 1985 , entitled 'Back to the Future'. This sci-fi movie took us into the future  which was October 21, 2015. We see that some of the predictions, actually took place, aside from the Cubs winning the World Series, which was snatched by the Mets  who were not a prediction of the future, but indeed created the future.

   This idea comes home to us as we see Avraham creating a new future for himself and the Jewish People. 

    When thinking of how Avraham heeds the words of G-D and follows His directives unquestionably, there is one idea that is fascinating regarding the behavior of Avraham, as suggested by the Rav.

   The Rav develops the idea that Avraham built altars to Hashem, without bringing any sacrifices on them. The question that immediately comes to mind; "Why and for what reason does one build a מזבח  and not offer any sacrifices?"

   The Rav makes a truly cogent point in the personality of Avraham, and even more so teaches us a very important lesson in life. 

    It seems that the building of these מזבחות by Avraham were not for animal sacrifices, but rather to symbolize his submission to G-D, and his surrender to the will of Hashem. We then realize that the highest sacrifice is not when you offer an animal , but rather when man, symbolically offers himself in a very  spiritual way to G-D. With this attitude, man's submission and surrender to the will of G-D and his dedication to abide, without question, to Hashem's  directives, even if they may seem to be contrary to his own aspirations are truly commendable and desirable. 

  Though, at times  life seems to pose many unanswerable questions and contradictions, we continue to submit ourselves to the will of G-D. 

  That is what our Patriach Avraham continues to teach us by his constant adherence to the will of Hashem, placing  his own pride, his own comfort,  his own desires, his own logic, his own reasons, to the will of Hashem. 

   That is how we must emulate Avraham. We must, equally, build our altars of submission, to our Torah and to our tradition. In doing so, we show our true allegiance and trust in הקב״ה.

  At this most crucial time, let us pray that peace and tranquility reign in our glorious state of Israel. 

                                                            שבת שלום