CHAPTER 5 PIRKEI AVOS; "עשרה נסיונות נתנסה אברהם אבינו" “WITH TEN TESTS OUR FATHER AVRAHAM WAS TESTED.”

 Knowing that nuance in Lashon Hakodesh  (biblical Hebrew) is intended to derive a deeper message, the question here is a clear giveaway for any TDS student: Why doesn't the Mishna use the more common word for test - Bechina - or in this case Bechinot, when describing the ten challenges of Avraham instead of using the word Nisayon? What does Nisayon mean? And doesn't the word Neis mean miracle?

In linguistics, it is best to observe the word in question as stated in its earliest form. In our case, the root of the word Nisayon -  Neis, is found in Tehillim Chapter 60,

"נָתַתָּה לִּירֵאֶיךָ נֵּס, לְהִתְנוֹסֵס         - “You gave those who fear you a banner to raise themselves”

While the word Neis does in fact mean test, still in this context the word neis also means sign or banner. To be clear a banner is a sign that is raised so all can see a pride of identity. It is also equally important to note that a neis is in fact a miracle.

Therefore as the word neis has a triple meaning of test, banner and miracle we can infer the lesson that as we are challenged so too we are elevated and spiritually exalted. 

 Just as with the tests of Avraham Avinu, we too are presented with obstacles, challenges, and darkness in our lives through which if we hold on and preserve, we can achieve the miracle of expomometal spiritual growth and connectivity with Hashem.

Shabbat Shalom!