Parshas Noach (5761)

Bs”d

Parshas Noach (5761)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Rashi quotes a difference of opinion to the significance of ‘Tamim Haya Bidorosov’—Noach was perfect in his generation.  According to the second opinion it is meant to diminish his greatness, that only to the contrast of the wicked in his generation do we value his greatness. (Interesting to note the terminology used to express this—“If he would have lived in the generation of Avraham Avinu—“Lo Haya Nechshav Liklum”—he wouldn’t have had any value).

What needs delving into is why is it so necessary to be aware of his low rating to the extent that according to this opinion the Chumash itself had to emphasize it by using the word ‘bidorosov’.  What would be wrong if we overrated his greatness?

I wish to offer an explanation that brings us to a most vital principle.  We consider the capacity we have for appreciating or holding individuals in high esteem to be unlimited.   The Torah gives us here an important basic insight—the capacity to appreciate is limited.  If it is “spent” on individuals who are unworthy it is at the expense of feeling and giving the genuine reverence to whom it is due.

This important foundation may very well be the principle behind the Gemarra where we find an Amorra criticized for what is considered overpraising his Caanani servant when eulogizing him.  The Maharsha in Sanhedrin explains that which we find Chazal so strongly opposed to the praising of the wicked is exactly this principle; it will prevent one from attributing the proper greatness to the giants who so well deserve it.

We are living in an era that this principle indeed needs strengthening.  Just an example is the supreme respect, honor, and awe that is given to the (religious, of course) singers and recording stars.  Some are indeed talented musicians but the excitement attached to them is surely out of proportion.  Recently, an acquaintance related to me the experience of walking in the neighborhood and suddenly coming face to face with one of these popular recording stars.  He excitedly said to me: “There he was, just walking down the street, all alone”!  A local wedding recently was interrupted by a huge commotion.  Again, some popular superstar (frum, of course) singer had made a sudden appearance.  I’m sure you are aware of the high pedestal on which many sport champions are placed.  All this is at the expense of limiting the true “Kavod HaTorah” and “Kavod Gedolim”.

Yes, it is indeed imperative to have the proper assessment of Noach and not to attribute to him more greatness than he deserves.  We should all be ‘zocheh’ to recognize and to have the right esteem for our true Talmidei Chachamim, Gedolai Torah and Manhigim.