Machshava:

Middot 

Collections: Rabbi Weinberger: Birrur Hamidos

Description

A properly developed midda (character trait) enables us to act against our nature when the situation calls for it. Yaakov Avinu displays his mastery over the midda of emes (truth), by acting deceitfully with Eisav. Avraham Avinu embodied extreme kindness. Yitzchok Avinu embodied extreme exactingness. Yaakov Avinu taught us how to balance these two traits. Akeidas Yitzchok (the sacrafice of Isaac) teaches us that the service of G-d required at one moment often seems to conflict with the service of G-d required the next moment.