Bs”d
Parshas Noach (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
One can’t help but be awestricken by the great miracle of the salvation of mankind and the whole spectrum of all life on earth through the auspices of Noach’s ark. This phenomenon is so striking that it is not possible to imagine the multiple creatures from the mammoth elephants to the smallest crawlers and creepers, to say nothing of the flying kingdom. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of species comfortably perched and positioned for their crucial, purposeful life preserving, world perpetuating journey, or shall we say ‘stay afloat’.
There is, however, an aspect of the miracle that seems to be infinitely greater and shocking. This miracle is commonly known to all, however its true appreciation is not delved into, nor the extent of its phenomenal ramifications. It is the issue of the complete representation of all life on earth coming forth to the ark. First and foremost, how were the multitudes informed that they should “head” for the taiva? How did they know its location? How did the thousands know how to reach the location from every point on the earth? For many species this meant traveling thousands of miles. Giving this proper contemplation one would find this unimaginable. Granted that all living things should be confined to the vessel Noach constructed is a clear demonstration of Divine rule and control, but for a worm to get a message in Mexico or a bull seal in the Arctic, or a rhinoceros in the Amazon, to work its way to the ark is something inconceivable.
The ‘nissim’ are supposed to have a profound effect on our emuna and create a greater closeness and awareness of Hashem; what sort of effect should this miracle have? The lack of insight to this great miracle brings us to realize that often we are the witness to outstanding miracles and are complete numb to them or their true depth. A contemporary example is the Gulf War; after wiping out thousands in Iran with their missiles, the Iraqis launched 39 attacks on us and all were major failures.
As we proclaim daily in Shmone Esrei—”Al Nisecha Shebichol Yom….” We express utmost gratitude to Hashem for the miracles that are with us daily and the wonders and the goodness He bestows on us constantly.