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The Akeidat Yitzchak—the Binding of Isaac—awakens eternal merit for Klal Yisrael. The Shofar we sound on Rosh HaShanah recalls the Akeidah, which itself occurred on Rosh HaShanah.
The Torah reveals the secret of the Akeidah: “I will bow down toward Your holy Temple.” Yitzchak “bowed down”—he accepted HaShem’s judgment, prepared to give his life as a sacrifice. More than that, he believed that HaShem’s decree was holy and just. In that merit, his faith aroused the divine attribute of mercy, and HaShem rescinded the decree. Yitzchak’s unwavering acceptance of HaShem’s judgment is the foundation of the Akeidah’s everlasting merit. The Shofar represents the horn of the ram that Avraham offered in Yitzchak’s place. When we blow the Shofar, we invoke not only the memory of the Akeidah, but also the wondrous mercy HaShem showed in response to Yitzchak’s faith and surrender.
The Shofar teaches us to accept HaShem’s judgment on Rosh HaShanah. In return, HaShem awakens His mercy in two ways: through the merit of Yitzchak’s Akeidah, and through our own willingness to accept His decree as holy.
Today: When you hear the Shofar, remember the Akeidah. Like Yitzchak Avinu, accept HaShem’s judgment with faith and trust. In that merit, may HaShem show compassion to you, to Klal Yisrael, and to the entire world. (Based on Tomer Devorah, Chapter Five)
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