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Article Summaries of Editors' Picks
![]() Intermediate
The Zohar
Sarah heard the announcement of the Shechinah that she would have a son.
This was a lower level of the revelation of the Shechinah, whereas Abraham was privy to a higher level.
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![]() Advanced
Chasidic Illumination
Before Abraham was visited by G-d, he was on the level of the 49th gate of understanding, the upmost level at which a human being can interact with the Infinite through his own efforts. When G-d visited Abraham, He granted him the fiftieth gate.
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![]() Contemporary Kabbalists
The main accomplishment and benefit gained in the performance of a mitzvah is the actual effort itself. Even after Abraham prepared the feast for his guests, they did not eat because they were angels. Similarly, in the test of the binding of Isaac, he ultimately did not slaughter his son. Rather, the many arrangements and traveling and personal preparations [mentally, emotionally and spiritually] are considered as if the mitzvah had actually come to fruition.
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![]() Beginner
Ascent Lights
By receiving from G-d an additional
hei to their name,
Abraham and Sarah each became more effective vessels for G-d's blessings and merited a miracle. Abraham merited that G-d revealed Himself to him and Sarah well past childbearing age, was blessed with news of a son.
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