Noach – Peninim on the Torah

Make for yourself an Ark of gopher wood. (6:14)

The Teivah which transported Noach, his family and the multitude of creations on board is the symbol of salvation. Noach’s Ark personifies an island of calm in a sea of storm. The Chidushei HaRim, cited by his grandson, the Sefas Emes, translates teivah alternatively as “word.” The Teivah of old refers to the words of the Torah and tefillah, prayer, which are contemporary man’s salvation. The Talmud Makkos 10a compares the Torah to the Arei Miklat, Cities of Refuge, detailed at the end of Sefer Bamidbar (35:9-34). When we immerse ourselves in the words of the Torah, and when we…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Noach, 5771

For the earth is filled with robbery through them. (6:13)

The generation of the Flood did it all. Their behavior deteriorated to the point that immorality and idolatry had become a way of life. Their immoral conduct extended even to animals, whereby they completely disregarded the parameters of human decency and the separation between species. Yet, Chazal note that it was neither idolatry nor sexual perversion that catalyzed the final decree for their total extinction. It was chamas, gezel, robbery and thievery that brought them down. The commentators present a number of explanations why robbery was the ultimate factor that sealed their punishment. Ramban comments that robbery is a common-sense…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Noach, 5771

Noach was a righteous man, perfect in his generations. (6:9)

Rashi cites a debate among the Sages concerning Noach’s true spiritual plateau. Some maintain that Noach’s ability to sustain his righteous achievement, despite being surrounded by a generation of corruption, is to his credit. Indeed, had he lived in Avraham Avinu’s time, he would have achieved much more. Others maintain that Noach’s righteousness was relative to a generation that was morally and ethically corrupt. Had he lived in Avraham Avinu’s time, he would have paled in comparison. Veritably, a person should be judged in accordance with his environment, his challenges, his generation. Apples should be compared to apples. There is one…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Noach, 5771

Noach was a righteous man, perfect in his generations… And Noach, and his sons… went into the Ark because of the waters of the Flood. (6:9; 7:7)

Upon perusing the commentaries, we note contrasting opinions concerning the true nature of Noach’s tzidkus, righteousness. The Torah begins by stating that Noach was righteous – in his generations. This leads to a debate among the commentators concerning Noach’s status had he lived in a generation blessed with such a saint as Avraham Avinu. Was Noach a relative tzaddik, in relation to the wicked of his generation, or could he have passed the litmus test even in Avraham’s generation? In the next chapter, the Torah tells us that Noach entered the Teivah, Ark, “because of the waters of the Flood.” This…

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Make for yourself an Ark of gopher wood. (6:14)

For the earth is filled with robbery through them. (6:13)

Noach was a righteous man, perfect in his generations. (6:9)

Noach was a righteous man, perfect in his generations… And Noach, and his sons… went into the Ark because of the waters of the Flood. (6:9; 7:7)

YEARS

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