Nisyonos Of Avraham Avinu

It certainly is not coincidental that the Shloshim for Yehuda fall out between Parshas Lech Lecha and Parshas Vayera, which both discuss the ten nisyonos of Avraham Avinu.

R' Chaim Volozhin asks an interesting question on the fifth perek of Pirkei Avos. Why is it that Avraham is mentioned in the second and third mishna, yet he's only referred to as "Avinu" in the third mishna? R' Chaim answers that the second mishna speaks of Avraham receiving reward for the previous generations of reshaim that didn't deserve any of their own. In this regard he's not considered "Avinu". However, in the third mishna, the ten tests of Avraham are discussed, and through his passing them, the ability to withstand and pass nisyonos was ingrained in us, Avraham's children. Therefore in this third mishna, he is referred to as Avraham Avinu.
The Rishonim offer different lists as to what exactly was included in these ten tests of Avraham Avinu, but in all cases there seem to be two basic categories. The first category involved Avraham Avinu actually performing a difficult task, such as the incredible challenge of Akeidas Yitzchok or leaving his homeland and traveling to Eretz Yisroel. The second category, however, did not require any actual action on the part of Avraham Avinu. It involved solely the acceptance of ratzon Hashem. One example of this, was the fact that after Avraham Avinu left to go to Eretz Yisroel where Hashem promised to make him wealthy, in reality he arrived during a terrible famine. Yet, Avraham Avinu didn't question Hashem, although he surely didn't understand the chain of events at the time. Additionally, when Sara Imeinu was taken by Paroh in Mitzraim, we don't see that Avraham Avinu asked any questions of Hashem either.

There are different ways to understand the purpose of the tests that Hashem gives us. Doesn't He already know exactly how we will react to the test? The Rambam and Rabeinu Yona both explain that the term "nisyonos" is from the lashon of "nes", flag. Just as a flag is raised up for all to see, so too a nisayon is given to a person who can pass it, in order to "raise a flag" and teach the world through his greatness.
The petira of Yehuda, a'h, represents the tragedies of both types. It required no action on our part; only the acceptance of ratzon Hashem without any questions. Then, picking up and making a simcha, immediately after sitting shiva, with the tremendous simcha that it deserved, required unimaginable strength. We should all realize that by showing such strength this past month, and i'yh continuing to do so in the future, we are following in the ways of Avraham Avinu.

I'yh our great nisayon will help create a great Kiddush Hashem around the world. And may this realization be an Ilui Neshama for Yehuda Aryeh ben Yehoshua Yakir.

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