There are two definitions stated by the Torah‘s commentators of the meaning of tzohar. One explanation is that it was a brilliant jewel which lit the ark. The traditional approach however, is that the tzohar was simply a window. The purpose of this window is difficult to understand. What great sights would they behold that would necessitate incorporating this window into the ark’s structure? The Ateres Mordechai poignantly explains the purpose of this window. Hashem hereby enjoins Noach to bear in mind his responsibility to mankind. While he sits in the ark calm and tranquil, secure in his being spared from the terrible fate meted out to the rest of humanity, he is to look out of this window, gaze upon the terrible sight before him, and reflect. He must realize the terrible spiritual danger which hangs over him were he to ignore this sight, and divorce himself from the pain and anguish of those less fortunate than himself. He must not be happy and relieved at his own rescue and ignore the sorrow of others. The window serves as a symbol of his moral obligation to others, and as a reminder of his unrelenting obligation to acknowledge and show his gratitude to Hashem for His everlasting beneficence.
