On Rosh Hashanah we blow the shofar in memory of this momentous event. An in-depth look at the Akeidah

Thousands of years have passed since the day Avraham Avinu bound his son Yitzchak on the mizbeiach, yet that act still brings his children merit and strength. On Rosh Hashanah, when we blow the shofar in memory of this momentous event, let’s take an in-depth look at the Akeidah. He Who answered Avraham Avinu on Har Hamoriah — may He answer you and hear your call

HaKadosh Baruch Hu said to Am Yisrael, blow the shofar of a ram before Me so that I should remember the ram of Yitzchak ben Avraham, and I consider it as if you bound yourself as a sacrifice.”

The mountains surrounding Chevron were the perfect setting. A light breeze blew, rustling the branch of the large tree planted near the tent standing in the center. Chattering crowds converged around tables laden with all kinds of delicacies — eating, drinking, and blessing Hashem, Who had been revealed to their dear friend, Avraham. People of influence mingled with the simpletons, kings and ministers reveled alongside the household members who had found permanent lodgings and a foster home in the domain of Avraham.

The babble of conversation of the diners, who had made the effort to come to Chevron to bless Avraham on the occasion of his 100th birthday, awakened the satan who was waiting for an opportune time for his accusatory remarks.

“Ribbono shel Olam, look down at Your servant Avraham who is holding such a big party, having invited all the dignitaries of the land,” the satan said. “See how happy he is and how he gladdens his guests. But for You, Who gave him his son in his old age, he gives nothing! Not a single cow and not a single ram!

“Besides, why do You call Avraham ‘ohavi,’ the one who loves Me? You have given him such bounty, and You have changed the course of nature and given him a son. You have always treated him with compassion and chesed; who would not maintain allegiance to a King Who gives so much good? Who guarantees, Ribbono shel Olam, that Avraham is truly a tzaddik? I wonder what would happen if You would take all this good from him… I wonder how Avraham would react if You would ask him to give back the gifts that You have bestowed upon him.

“In fact,” the satan suggested, “let’s see him sacrifice his son and still remain Your beloved!”

Silence reigned On High. What would Hashem reply? Who would hush the evil angel and present a defense in his stead?

“You will see that if I ask Avraham to sacrifice his son, he will do so immediately,” HaKadosh Baruch Hu replied. “And then you, the satan, and everyone else, will see and know that Avraham is My beloved and a most faithful and loyal servant."