Noach – Peninim on the Torah

“He (Nimrod) was a crafty hero (hunter) before Hashem.” (10:9)

In Tanach the phrase “before Hashem”, suggests that an activity is performed in accordance with Hashem’s will. Horav S.R. Hirsch, z.l., suggests that here, too, before Hashem – means simply in the name of Hashem. Nimrod had a quiet “pious G-d pleasing” manner, which was the culmination of his wickedness. The name “Hashem” had not yet become lost. When properly understood, the same Name implies the equality of men. It takes benevolence and love normative and applicable to all. Nimrod was the first person to distort this Name, using it to suppress and subjugate his fellow man – all in…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Noach, 5753

“And Noach, master of the land, planted a vineyard.” (9:20)

When Noach went ashore following his lengthy journey on the ark, his first activity was to plant a grapevine. Later, he drank its wine “and became inebriated.” This act ultimately led to an embarrassing situation which culminated in his cursing his grandson, Canaan. When we view the positive and negative actions of our forebears, we must delve into their origins in order to learn from them. What was Noach’s mistake and what lessons may be derived from it? Horav A. H. Lebowitz, Shlita, cites Sforno who interprets Noach’s violation in the following manner. “And Noach began”– his mistake lay in…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Noach, 5753

“And the land was corrupt before Hashem.” (6:11)

Rashi comments that the ultimate verdict for the destruction of that generation was based upon the people’s stealing. The Ozorever Rebbe, z.l., explains that the arrogance demonstrated by the manner of this stealing signified a decadence so sinister that repentance for this sin was highly unlikely. Their form of stealing was unique in that it was not biblically prohibited, since the people were careful to steal less than the value of a “perutah” (which is the criterion for establishing an act of stealing). They obviously derived no benefit from such an insignificant theft. They stole for the pure sake of…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Noach, 5753

“Noach was a man, righteous and wholehearted”. (6:9)

The characterization of Noach as a tzaddik, a devout and righteous man, is enigmatic. Indeed, Chazal themselves question Noach’s unique personality. He was, however, the only individual who Hashem saved from the devastation that engulfed an entire world. Corruption, violence, and debauchery effected a tragic end to that world. One man stood alone with his family, in contrast to these people, unaffected by their immoral way of life. Hashem told him to build an ark in order to save himself and to go forward to rebuild the world. “vzv rusc hbpk ehsm h,htr l,ut hf”- For you I have seen…

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“He (Nimrod) was a crafty hero (hunter) before Hashem.” (10:9)

“And Noach, master of the land, planted a vineyard.” (9:20)

“And the land was corrupt before Hashem.” (6:11)

“Noach was a man, righteous and wholehearted”. (6:9)

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