The Chofetz Chaim al Torah says, Chazal teach in bereishis rabbah, "Hashem does not elevate a person to greatness until He first tests him."
Where in bereishis rabbah do chazal say this?
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4Where in Chofetz Chaim al Torah did this quotation come from?– Isaac Moses ♦Aug 19, 2014 at 4:46
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2 Answers
This isn't saying exactly what you've quoted, but it comes very close:
ניסיון אחר ניסיון וגידולין אחר גידולין בשביל לנסותן בעולם, בשביל לגדלן בעולם
The midrash (Beraishis Rabba 55:1) is playing on the word נסה, which means test, but sounds like נס, which means to 'raise up'. Thus, the midrash states that Avraham was being tested in order to be raised up. The implication is that tests are necessary for rising in greatness (for otherwise why would Hashem put His beloved servant through such an ordeal)
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I think the Ramban there has a different explanation - it was to show Avraham his own greatness.– jimAug 18, 2014 at 16:23
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@jim the question is about a very specific source. There are many other opinions regarding the purpose of the akeida besides for the one presented here and the Rambam– הנער הזהAug 18, 2014 at 17:21
