Inspired by Faith

by Elisheva

Jewish Art ♡ Brachi Horen

In our busy day-to-day life, what does it mean to be inspired by faith? Most of the time we don't acknowledge experiences or overcome challenges which we have to reflect upon, sometimes greater than we could ever imagine.

Moments like this require us to pause, reflect, and feel a deeper sense of gratitude. Life offers experiences of faith and wonderful opportunities to consider a way that motivates and pushes us beyond our comfort zone, believing that we are capable of achieving the impossible.

Chazal tell us that Avraham faced up to ten tests on his spiritual journey. Akeidas Yitzchak was the tenth test—the most impossible test. Commentators suggested that Avraham's tenth test would be the death of Sarah and burying her in Me’aras HaMachpeilah.

But the tenth test commanded Avraham to sacrifice his own child, which was the ultimate test. Fortunately, it was only a test when HaShem commanded him, "Do not touch the child, and do nothing to him."

The binding of Yitzchak represents the ultimate Jewish devotion to HaShem.

Avraham was challenged to overcome his grief at losing Sarah as well as with Ephron, a deceitful and merciless cheat. Perhaps Avraham's test was a question of understanding—a challenge to view Sarah's death as an opportunity to grow rather than finding a reason to give up.

Faith is not giving up on our responsibilities or an excuse to allow ourselves to say, "This situation is out of our hands; let's put it in the hands of HaShem." When we feel like giving up, this is an opportunity to push ourselves even further—all the way to the limit of our ability—to the experience of faith.

We are not here to do what comes easy to us, but to achieve the impossible. This is not some objective outside ourselves but measured by ourselves.

Just like Avraham Avinu, we too can overcome our challenges to achieve the impossible and grow.

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Elisheva – Celebrating the Heart of Yiddishkeit

Elisheva is a passionate voice for authentic Jewish life, blending Torah wisdom, mitzvos, and the timeless beauty of Yiddishkeit. Her writing shines a light on the strength and grace of Jewish women—from the legacy of Devorah Leah, daughter of the Alter Rebbe, to today’s women who live with faith, modesty, and purpose. Through her words, Elisheva celebrates Torah study, family purity, and radiant tznius, inspiring readers to embrace the joy, depth, and enduring spirit of Jewish tradition. Contact Elisheva.