Chizuk and Idud

Chizuk & Idud for Vayeira

In reading about the trials and tribulations of Judaism’s “first family”, it seems clear that their lives were no laughing matter. Famine, kidnapping, war, infertility, the near-sacrifice of their child - it all adds up to a continual struggle for survival. Avraham and Sarah - and Yitzchak, too, for that matter - seem to live from one crisis to another. And yet, inexplicably, they laughed! When hearing that they will have a child in their old age, both Avraham and Sarah laugh! In fact, the very name of that child -Yitzchak - means “laughter!”
Chazal struggle with the nature and meaning of this rather unexpected show of emotion. Some want to say that Avraham’s laughter is a kind of incredulous wonder at the realization of G-d’s power to perform amazing miracles - as in, “Wow, can you believe what an unbelievable gift I’m about to receive?!” - while the response of Sarah (who, according to the Gemara, did not even have a womb!) is more of a self-deprecating, even challenging laugh, as in, “Hah! Imagine that! At my age, a child?”
But it seems to me that the essence of the message is summed up in Yitzchak’s name: “He WILL laugh!” That is, despite all the hardships and challenges we encounter, no matter what obstacles we face along the road of life, ultimately we will come out of this smiling, even laughing. There is a sense of optimism implied in the name, which serves both as hakarat hatov in good times, and abiding faith in Hashem during hard times.
It is particularly appropriate that the sentiment, “He WILL laugh” belongs to Yitzchak, the only one of the Avot who never left the Land of Israel. The implication is clear: Life in Israel can be extremely challenging, and often is accompanied by large doses of self- sacrifice. At times, the ultimate sacrifice - greater even than that of Yitzchak, whose life, after all, was spared - will be called for. Yet, at the end of the day, those “who reap in sorrow shall harvest in joy”. It is only in Israel that a Jew can find his fullest expression, experience the Mitzvot in their purest form and come closest to Hashem; and it is only in Israel that the destiny of the Jewish People will be realized. History will show that those who connect their lives to Israel will have the last laugh.

• Other Chizuk and Idud
• Reclining on Pesach
• Chizuk & Idud - Parashat Vayikra
• Chizuk & Idud - Vayakhel-P'kudei