Avraham’s trial of being told by God “Lech Lecha” (embark on your own journey).
In his essay for Parashat Lech Lecha (Talks on the Parasha, Shefa-Maggid, Jerusalem, 2015, pp. 20-8), R. Adin Steinsaltz offers a lengthy reflection on the “trial” of having to leave one’s familiar surroundings within the context of Avraham’s life, and its implications for his descendants, in accord with the principle “Ma’asei Avot Siman LeBanim” (the deeds of the fathers are omens about their offspring; Midrash Tanchuma, Parashat Lech Lecha, #9). First addressing the statement in Avot regarding the total number of challenges that confronted Avraham over the course of the 175 years of his life (Beraishit 25:7):