Bs”d
Parshas Noach (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Perhaps we can explain that Hashem destroys the good together with the bad for promiscuous actions for not exerting their positive influence and the inevitable negative effect it has on them. This has special meaning in our times.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Noach (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The greatest puzzle in the episode of the mabul is Noach’s weakness in belief of the pending storm leading to his hesitancy to enter the Ark until actually forced by the angry storm waters. Most difficult to comprehend is that despite all his doubts why didn’t he enter the Ark; what was there to lose?
One of the most basic principles in our belief and understanding of Hashem is that He is completely “chesed”, kindness. This is crystallized in His name. This is the dominant way He reveals Himself to the world, it is therefore like a command for us to believe and understand Hashem in this way. The idea of Hashem bringing destruction to mankind and life on earth was a complete contradiction. Noach’s insight to the kindness of Hashem didn’t allow him to accept the prophecy of the mabul and was confident that Hashem would not carry it out and reverse at the last second. Noach felt it was incumbent upon himself to demonstrate his unbending belief in Hashem’s kindness by refraining to enter until forced.
This enlightens us to recognize the awesome kindness of Hashem and to emulate Him.
Have a wonderful, significant Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Noach (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Why did Noach have an inner issue with himself to enter the Taiva to the extent that Chazal regard him as “mikatnei amana”?
The ark as we imagine it was a symbol of security, the “rock of Gibraltar”. In the light of the true actuality of the mabul the taiva offered no real protection; amounting to someone in a Jumbo falling from the sky and has a chicken feather to assist him.
One can easily miss the awesome dimension of the miracle of the taiva, likewise in our own daily lives we must search and focus on the constant consistent miracles bestowed upon us from Above.
Have a month of bracha v’hatzlacha and a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Noach (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The pasuk (7:17) relates that Hashem closed the Ark. Noach himself would have had no problem doing this. The significance of relating that this was from Hashem was accomplished by Hashem through lions and bears attacking those who wished to destroy the Ark, something which was very unusual. This is another outstanding demonstration of the presence and the control of Hashem presenting a source of emuna for those who are seeking.
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.
Bs”d
Parshas Noach (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
That Hashem selected the element of water as a means of retribution to the wicked generation of the Mabul is noteworthy. R’ Chayim Vital explains that the element of water is the source of all lusts. The Divine selection of water is a sign that the root of the wickedness was the lack of control of material desires.
We now have a unique insight to why the waters of the Yam Suf parted in the merit of Yosef HaTzaddik, since he excelled in his superb control over his lust. Often, the overindulgence in lust blinds us to what would be obvious spiritual insights. We should all be inspired to strive for this control and have the utmost of success.
Have a wonderful week.
Bs”d
Parshas Noach (5762)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
In our Parsha we find Noach’s priority was to plant a vineyard. Although Noach was criticized for this there was surely an important motivation which we would like to understand. I heard from my Rebbe, Rav Avigdor Miller zt”l that a person having animosity towards an individual for a wrong which he can’t forgive, he discovers that under the influence of wine that he has a warm spot in his heart but hesitates because it is not really truthful. He should flow along and allow himself to be influenced. Hashem placed chemicals in the world to help smooth the differences with fellow man. Hashem allowed Himself to be influenced by Noach’s sacrificies (8:21). The mabul came about because of lack of love and good feelings among people. Noach planted the vineyard as a tool to bring warmth among people.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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.
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