[Avodah] Middos of the Avos

[Yitzchak Schaffer]

Hello all,

A question WRT the middos commonly attributed to the Avos (Avraham <==> 
chesed, etc.). What is the nature of the relationship of these middos to 
their respective figures? The two possibilities that occurred to me:

- Their souls were pre-wired for perfection in these middos
- The individuals cultivated their respective middos to a phenomenal degree

And if the latter, why was it that these middos were chosen?

I seem to recall hearing this discussed before. I also think I recall 
seeing the Nesivos Shalom discuss the relation of each Av to his 
wife/wives in terms of the middos: Avraham contrasting with Sarah (throw 
out Yishmael), etc.

-- 
Yitzchak Schaffer