Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller (1579–1654), in his classic commentary on the Mishnah, Tosfot Yom Tov (Pirkei Avot, 5:3), offers profound insight into the title bestowed upon our forefather Avraham, known as “Avinu” (our father). We know that Avraham is called Avraham “Avinu” because he is indeed the forefather of us all, as the Torah writes in Lech Lecha: “God took him outside and said, ‘Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to tally them — So shall your offspring be.” (Bereshit, 15:5)
However, beyond the biological fact of our lineage from Avraham, Tosfot Yom Tov adds that Avraham Avinu is also our father in an ideological sense. He serves as a model for how a Jew should lead their life, akin to a father’s guidance. He is called Avinu because he exemplifies unwavering faith and perseverance in the face of numerous challenges. Tosfot Yom Tov particularly highlights Avraham’s demonstration of the perseverance we all need to have, evident in his endurance of the ten demanding tests he confronted.
The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot (5:3) enumerates these 10 tests: “With 10 trials was Avraham, our father (may he rest in peace), tested, and he withstood them all; to make known how great was the love of Abraham.”
Maimonides (1138-1204) lists the 10 tests as follows: “The 10 tests with which Avraham, our father, was tried are all written in the Torah. (1) His emigration (‘Lech Lecha’ – Genesis 12:1)… (2) is the famine that was found in the Land of Canaan when he came there even though it was [the land of] his destiny (Genesis 12:2)… (3) The injustice of the Egyptians towards him in the taking of Sarah to Pharaoh… (4) his fight against the four kings… (5) The fifth is his taking of Hagar as a wife after he despairs of giving birth through Sarah… (6) is the circumcision that he was commanded about in the days of his old age… (7) The injustice of the king of Gerar towards him and his taking of Sarah… (8) the expulsion of Hagar after having a child from her… (9) the distancing of his son, Yishmael (Genesis 21:11)… (10) is the binding of Yitzchak.”
Despite the myriad challenges and difficulties Avraham encountered, he never wavered in his trust in God or faltered in his faith.
Presently, the Jewish people are grappling with an extreme crisis. All the words that have been and will be shared cannot truly encapsulate the gravity of this moment for Klal Yisrael. However, one constant remains — we continue to live by the example set by our forefather, Avraham Avinu, fortifying ourselves with unwavering faith. It is a matter of simple Emunah and Bitachon — faith and trust in Hashem. We know without a doubt that “Ein od Milvado — He is the One and Only!” Hashem WILL provide the salvation we desperately need.
As King Solomon profoundly illustrates, “The name of Hashem is a tower of strength, to which the righteous person runs and finds safety” (Mishlei 18:10). Regardless of the challenges facing our people, we have a divine defense system.
Yet Avraham did not earn the title of Avinu “only” by modeling faith and a relationship with God. In addition to showing us unwavering faith and perseverance for generations, he taught us, his children, how to conduct ourselves in the world. As the Talmud tells us (Yevamos 79a), “There are three distinguishing marks of this nation, the Jewish people. They are merciful (Rachmanim), they are humble (Bayshanim), and they perform acts of kindness (V’Gomlei Chasadim).” All of this is learned from the model of Avraham Avinu.
The stories of strength during this unimaginably challenging time, the exceptional compassion shown by our chayalim and leadership, the displays of humility, and the heroic acts of kindness we have witnessed (and probably many more we are completely unaware of) in the past three weeks are immeasurable. “Mi K’Amcha Yisroel — Who is like Your nation Israel?!”
We pray to continue having the strength and resilience to follow the example of our father, Avraham Avinu, leading us toward victory and Shalom for the entire world with the coming of Mashiach speedily in our days!
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Rabbi Daniel Reich is the rabbi of Congregation Adat Yeshurun of La Jolla.
Republished from San Diego Jewish World