Our Gemara on Amud Aleph describes the process by which the returnees who were building the Second Temple determined the location of the altar. According to Rabbi Yitzḥak Nappaḥa: they saw a vision of the ashes of Yitschok that were placed in that location. (According to tradition, the Akeida took place in the same spot as the future altar.)
There is one glaring problem with this aggadah. What are Yitschok’s ashes? He was never sacrificed and certainly not burned on the altar! As the verse states (Bereishis 22:12), “Do not send your hand out against the lad, and do not do a thing to him.” Of course the simple answer is this is a metaphor, and really means the ashes of the ram brought in Yitschok’s place. Even so, why write it that way? It would be easier to accept if the words were something like the sacrifice of Yitschok. But Ashes are evocative of a specific message within the metaphor, the beg an answer.
The ashes represent Yitschok's (and Avraham’s) willingness to completely eliminate their egos in service and recognition of God. (Avraham earlier calls himself, “dust and ashes”, Bereishis 18:27.) When that level of self-obliteration is accomplished, no physical sacrifice is necessary. In actuality, the ashes aren’t a metaphor for the ram; rather the ram is a metaphor for the ashes. Ashes also are the minimal leftover material from something that was utterly consumed. They are the material that cannot be burned further — whatever is left of self after the utter willingness to give themselves over to God. This residue of what Yitschok and Avraham could not further give over remained as a legacy for their descendants to continue. The altar for future generations will continue the task of redemption and elevation of matter (the sacrifices of life, real and metaphoric). They saw the ashes — that is, they saw what was left for them to continue in the process of man’s sacrifice to God — and therefore “knew” the right place for the altar.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com