טעם ג' מזבחות שבנה אברהם

1. The History of Building Mizbechos

We see the concept of building a mizbeach—altar—goes all the way back to Adam HaRishon. Already in the earliest generations, we find that both Kayin and Hevel brought offerings. Later, after the mabul—flood—when Noach emerged from the teva—ark—he too built a mizbeach. Hashem responded to Noach’s offering by saying, lo osif lekallel od (Bereishis 8:21)—He would no longer curse the ground for man’s sake. The Torah describes how Hashem smelled the pleasing aroma: vayorach Hashem es rei’ach hanichoach. This establishes a pattern of using a mizbeach as a means of connecting with Hashem.

2. Avraham’s Three Mizbechos in the Parsha

In this week’s parsha, we learn that Avraham built three separate mizbechos. Rashi comments on two of these instances, explaining Avraham’s motivations. The first time, Rashi says Avraham built it because Hashem promised him that his descendants would inherit Eretz Yisrael. This was a moment of great joy for Avraham—not only would he have children, but they would also inherit the land. Out of gratitude for this good news (besura tova), he constructed a mizbeach.

3. The Second Mizbeach: Prayer for Future Generations

The second time Avraham builds a mizbeach, Rashi again explains his motivation. This event takes place near Shechem. Here, Avraham prayed for his descendants’ success, foreseeing that Yaakov’s sons would one day face conflict with the people of Shechem after the incident involving Dinah. Thus, this altar was built as an act of prayer on behalf of his children, seeking their future well-being and protection.

4. The Mystery of the Third Mizbeach

The surprising detail is that when Avraham builds the third mizbeach, Rashi does not comment at all about his reason for doing so. The Torah simply states that he built it, without explanation or context. This omission raises questions: Why did Avraham build this third altar? Why does Rashi remain silent here when he explained the previous two?

5. The Rebbe’s Explanation: Progression in Avraham’s Service

The Rebbe explains that there is a progression in Avraham’s building of these altars. Initially, his motivation was personal—to thank Hashem for blessings related to himself and his offspring. Even in praying for his children’s future success at Shechem, there was still an element of personal interest and benefit involved. However, by the third instance, Avraham reaches a higher level: he builds a mizbeach simply to serve Hashem without any ulterior motive or specific request.

6. Lessons for Our Own Relationship with Hashem

This progression teaches us about our own relationship with Hashem. Often we feel gratitude when something good happens—a family simcha, success in our endeavors, or financial gain—and we thank Hashem out of appreciation for these blessings. Other times we turn to Hashem in distress or need, asking for help and placing our trust in Him during difficult moments. Yet both scenarios involve some self-interest: either gratitude for what we received or requests for what we lack.

7. Serving Hashem with Pure Motivation

The ultimate level is to connect with Hashem and express thanks simply because we are alive and able to serve Him—without any other motive or expectation. This is what Avraham achieved with his third mizbeach: pure service and connection to Hashem for its own sake, which stands as an ideal for us all to strive towards in our own avodah.