Noach – Don’t Just Look Inward

Parshas Noach opens with the introduction of Noach, a remarkably righteous figure who is 500 years old. Hashem instructs him to construct a Taiva, or ark, due to the rampant corruption in the world, prompting Hashem to bring forth a flood that will obliterate all its inhabitants. This ark was intended to house all species of animals, along with Noach, his family, and provisions sufficient for an entire year, as they endured the flood.

Noach, in compliance with Hashem's orders, begins the task of constructing the ark. He invests more than a hundred years in the creation of this colossal ship, enduring the scorn and maltreatment from the immoral populace of his time, who strive to halt its construction and convince themselves and each other that a flood will not occur. Picture Noach, tirelessly laboring in his workshop day after day, confronting the incessant skepticism of detractors. Strangers, family members, and neighbors continuously challenge and criticize him for defying societal norms. Faith in Hashem has become virtually nonexistent. Principles of morality have faded into obscurity. Individuals have become so skilled in theft and robbery that even when apprehended, they cannot be prosecuted. Yet, Noach remains resolute against the entire world, diligently executing the will of Hashem.

Will the Real Noach Please Stand Up

Rashi references an intriguing Midrash at the beginning of the Parsha. The verse asserts that 'Noach was a perfectly righteous man, in his generation.' This serves as a notable praise that the Torah offers to Noach. The Torah labels him as 'perfectly righteous.' Nevertheless, Rashi cites the Midrash that elaborates on the qualifying phrase 'in his generation.' Some of our Rabbis interpret this (in his generation) as a point of praise: he was righteous even in his own time; consequently, had he lived in a generation of virtuous individuals, he would have been even more virtuous due to the impact of exemplary behavior. Conversely, others interpret it as a point of criticism: in relation to his own generation, he was considered righteous, but had he lived in the time of Avraham, he would have been regarded as insignificant.

Considering all that Noach had to endure to construct the ark, including the collection and care of the animals for an entire year without rest, how can our sages doubt Noach's righteousness? What is it that they identified as a deficiency in Noach that prompted them to use the phrase 'in his generation' as a qualifier rather than stating a historical fact?

Noach and Avraham

A notable difference can be observed between Noach and Avraham. While it is true that Noach invested a considerable amount of time in preparing for the imminent destruction of the world, and as noted in the Torah, he was indeed a perfectly righteous individual. Yes, Noach diligently constructs the Ark, but he only admonishes and warns the people of the world when they seek him out. He leads a highly isolated existence, having little to no impact on those around him. Following the flood, Noach is described as a man of the land. The Medrash Tanchuma indicates that he transitioned from being a Tzadik to becoming a farmer. After enduring the flood, Noach wished to retreat into obscurity. His influence and righteousness had reached their limits. In contrast, Avraham made it his life goal to influence the world around him. He consistently welcomed travelers and endeavored to draw them closer to Hashem. Avraham was not satisfied with merely enhancing his own spiritual standing; he aspired for the entire world to develop a closer relationship with Hashem.

As human beings, we are not meant to depart from this world in the same manner we found it. Our duty is to create a positive impact on those around us. Yes, there is a risk associated with being social beings. A person can be negatively influenced by those who act wrongly, and an individual must be vigilant about the company they keep. At the same time, our job in life is to make a positive impact on others. Perhaps this is the shortcoming that the sages observed in Noach. Noach refrained from reaching out to assist the world. He focused on his own interests, maintaining a 'live and let live' attitude. So, while he was able to save his immediate family, the world itself was ultimately lost.

Every person can contribute to making the world a better place. All that is needed is sincere regard for fellow human beings and the desire to make this world a ‘home’ for Hashem. Refrain from living as if you are isolated on an island. You possess the ability to impact those around you and motivate them to achieve aspirations they may not have realized were possible.