Let My People Know

"There will be laughter on earth as well as in heaven"

 

The task of Isaac, or Gevurah, is to make right that which goes wrong.

Gevurah is thus a constant improvement, not only a bringing up from below but a raising of that which is in darkness to the light. 

Chesed begins from above, expands in every direction including below, and only by way of inclusiveness does it touch upon the little things, the insignificant and small in human life. 

Isaac's name in Hebrew is Yitzchak, "he who will laugh." 

Since he is never reported to have laughed, his name seems to be a contradiction to his personality. 

But his name is directed to the future. 

It says that Gevurah, which is now severity, will some day rise up and become greater even than Chesed

Chesed is easy.

For one who is all grace and love it is easy to be gracious and loving.

But for Gevurah, who is awe and control and critical judgment, it is much more difficult, and so when it does happen, there will be laughter on earth as well as in heaven.

–Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
 
From In the Beginning, p. 131, by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz