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This week's parsha, Parshat Vayera, tells the heartbreaking and self-defining story of Akeidat Yitzchak. In this tale we discover the true meaning of "Yir'at Hashem." Avraham is tested when he is commanded to sacrifice, not an ordinary animal, but his beloved son Yitzchak. Avraham discovers his essence, inspiring us to search for our own.

Imagine watching this historic event in a movie. At the climax of this dramatic mission, a plot twist occurs. Just as Avraham grasps the knife that is about to sacrifice his son, a Malach (angel) appears on the scene and stops Avraham, enabling us audience members to finally breathe. Automatically, we viewers ask ourselves some troubling questions. Why would Hashem command Avraham to perform such an extreme act? How could Avraham have been ready to go through with the murder of his beloved son? Why did Hashem stop him at this very point, rather than earlier or later?

In the concept of Yir'at Hashem, we find clarity in the midst of all our confusion. One might find troubling the idea of fearing Hashem because some think we should only love him as a father figure. To respond to those who struggle with this idea, we must define this type of fear. It is not a fear based on terror; rather it is a fear based on awe. Love is finding extreme closeness with another person. The love that a husband and wife share binds them as if they are one. Yes, we are supposed to love Hashem, but we are supposed to find the fine line between love and fear. We are not one with Hashem. We must place Hashem above ourselves through awe. Avraham's determination to follow through with sacrificing his own son in the name of Hashem exemplifies Avraham's strong sense of Yir'at Hashem. He sets the bar pretty high.

In one way, the purpose of Akeidat Yitchak is to reassure Hashem that He can trust Avraham's Yir'at Shamayim. Now let's put on a new pair of shades and see this story through new lenses. In this light we can see that obviously Hashem knows that Avraham has Yir'at Hashem, but He wants Avraham to prove to himself that he has it. In Vayera, Avraham discovers more than the powerful awe he has of God. He finds his true essence. We are often too afraid to know who we are on the inside, too afraid to take on challenges, because we do not know what the outcome will reveal about ourselves. Avraham took upon himself the test that Hashem presented to him without hesitation, and learned about the strength of his own commitment to God.

Avraham's extreme determination and faith gives us insight into the incredible essence of Avraham Avinu. We all know that Avraham loved chesed. Even during the painful recovery from his Brit Milah, he sat at the entrance of his tent awaiting guests. He yearned to do chesed even in this circumstance. It is easy to help others when the opportunity presents itself. But like our forefather Avraham, we should strive to seek out opportunities to do good for our fellow man, rather than waiting for such opportunities to land in our laps. Yes, Avraham is a hard act to follow and change is not easy, but we must follow in his footsteps to discover our essence.

Here at Midreshet Amit, the chesed opportunities are infinite. We are provided with the tools to grow spiritually in every way possible. It is up to us to use these tools and build ourselves. Just like Hashem believed that Avraham could succeed in growing and finding his inner strength, so too Midreshet Amit has faith in us that with their guidance and care, we will succeed in overcoming our own personal struggles, growing spiritually, and discovering our own inner essence.