WEEKLY TORAH
WEEKLY TORAH
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PARSHAT NOACH
Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday is Rosh Chodesh MarCheshvan. May it bring to us the blessings of Hashem.
This week, we learn about the greatest catastrophe in world history and the man who survived it all. It was Noach who lived through the flood that destroyed the entire world!
Noach was once the greatest man alive. He was judged the most righteous of his generation. He was saved by Hashem from "the waters of Noach's flood" and he built "Noach's Ark." He failed his life's mission - to save the world from destruction. Who was this man Noach?
Nearly every culture has a flood story in its ancient history and Noach is the man who, along with his immediate family, received Hashem's salvation. One would imagine that the Torah would consider Noach a totally righteous man. Indeed, Bereshit 6:9 teaches, "Noach Ish Tzaddik Tamim Haya B'dorosov" - "Noach was a righteous man, perfect in his generation." The words: “in his generation" have our sages wondering what Noach's status has to do with the era in which he lived.
Was Noach a Tzaddik only when compared to the very evil people of his time or was he an even greater Tzaddik who overcame his terrible environment? Was he a Tzaddik because of his generation or in spite of it?
As good a man as he was, it seems that Noach's shortcomings were his ultimate undoing. After he failed to motivate the people to repent, he prayed for his own family to be saved. Noach did not pray for the rest of his generation. In fact, the only time he rebuked the people was when they approached him to inquire about the ark he was building. He didn't go to the people to save them; he waited for them to come to him.
Perhaps, this is why the flood is remembered as "Mei Noach"- the waters of Noach, as though he is partly to blame and his status as Tzaddik is in question.
A True Tzaddik is not content with merely saving himself. He doesn't wait to be approached. He reaches out to others and is not satisfied with his own good deeds. He tries to inspire others to do good, as well. He feels responsible for others and he knows that ignoring the spiritual needs of his neighbors can lead to a catastrophe.
Perhaps, there are better role models in our Torah to teach us a better way to effect a positive change in our generation. One that comes to mind is Avrahom, the first Jew, and we will meet him next week! Meanwhile, let us resolve to emulate the ways of the true Tzaddik!
Kol Tov! Our best to you...it's all good. Shabbat Shalom, CM
CHADISH FORUM - PLEASE TELL US
Noach is described in the Torah as a Tzaddik in his own generation. How would he compare with Avrahom, the first Jew?
The Hebrew Month of Cheshvan is also called MarCheshvan. Mar refers to bitterness as Cheshvan contains no holidays. Can you think of another month that also has an alternate name?
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