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In this week’s Parshah, Noach, the Torah tells us of the devastating flood which was brought to the world. From among the people of the world, only Noach and his family were saved.
In describing Noach, the Torah tells us that[1] “… Noach was a righteous man, he was perfect in his generation …” We need to understand why the Torah specifies that “he was perfect in his generation.” Rashi’s comments on this verse and explains this. “Some of our Sages interpret the words ‘in his generation’ favorably. If he lived in a generation of righteous people, he would have been even more righteous. Others interpret it derogatorily. In comparison with his generation, he was righteous. However, if he lived in Avrohom’s generation; he would not have been considered of any importance[2].”
We need to explain why there are Sages who explain the Torah’s words in a derogatory manner. We find that “the Torah does not (even) make a negative statement about an impure animal[3].” How much more so would the Torah refrain from making a derogatory statement about a Tzaddik! We must say that the Torah says this in order to teach us a very important lesson.
The Alter Rebbe explains[4] that Hashem’s command to Noach to “enter the Ark[5]” actually alludes to a much deeper concept. The waters of the flood actually represent the concerns that we have about making a living and our worries about matters of this world. These indeed form an ongoing flood. The only way in which we can be saved from this is by entering the words of Torah and Tefillah.
One might think that such action can only save a Tzaddik of Noach’s stature. However, for a simple person such as myself, it may be “too little too late.” Therefore, the Sages make a point of telling us that “some interpret it derogatorily … had he been in Avrohom’s generation he would have been considered nothing.” Entering the Ark, the words of Torah and prayer can save all of us from the flood of this world, despite his stature.
Each of us must take this lesson to heart and enter the Ark, the words of Torah and prayer. As a result of this may we merit the complete and true redemption through Moshiach Now!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 5, Beginning with Page 279
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR FATHER
Mr. Sholom Moshe Hacohen
ben Reb Shlomo Meir Hacohen ע”ה Cohen
Passed away Shabbos Parshas Beshalach, 13 Shevat, 5779
May His Soul be bound in the Eternal Bond of Life
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DEDICATED BY HIS SON-IN-LAW AND DAUGHTER
RABBI SHMUEL AND RIFKA שי’MENDELSOHN
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לעילוי נשמת
ר’ שלום משה הכהן בן ר’ שלמה מאיר הכהן ע”ה כהן
נפטר ש”ק פ’ בשלח, י”ג שבט, ה’תשע”ט
ת. נ. צ. ב. ה.
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יו”ל ע”י חתנו ובתו שיחיו
הרה”ת ר’ שמואל ורבקה שי’ מענדלסאהן
[1]. Parshas Noach, Bereishis 6:9.
[2]. Talmud Sanhedrin 108, b.
[3]. Talmud Bava Basra 123, a.
[4]. See Torah Ohr to this week’s Torah portion.
[5]. Please note that the Hebrew word for Ark can also be translated to mean words.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 