When we consider parshas Noach, we quickly realize that for the most part, this portion is about Noach (Noah) the man. Oh sure, there’s a flood and a collapsed skyscraper and much more and yet...we strive to analyze his unusual personality. Usually, our focus is on page one:
- “Noach was a righteous man, perfect in his generation; Noach walked with God. (Bereishis 6.9)”
Noach had great qualities but why does the text stipulate “in his generation” as if to qualify his superlatives?
It is useful to attempt an holistic view of his life and the text is most obliging. Noach really had three careers:
- Agriculture Innovator “And he named him Noach, saying, 'This one will give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands from the ground, which God cursed.'" (ibid 5.29)
- Chosen Boat Builder and Sailor “Make an ark of gopher wood for yourself...” (ibid 6.14). “On that very day Noach...entered into the ark” (ibid 7.13)
- Vintner “And Noach began to be a master of the soil, and he planted a vineyard” (ibid 9.20)
Noach experienced quite a meteoric rise and crash. He advances from noted implement craftsman to the ultimate religionist of his day. He is chosen by God to survive a total annihilation of life on land and tasked with seeding a rebirth. Successful at preserving species of both land and air, Noach emerges triumphantly from the ark. He is showered with blessings and a covenant. What comes next is perplexing.
Noach virtually immerses himself in viticulture and winemaking...and imbibes in his product to excess. How do we explain this sudden shift in behavior? How does this diluvian hero morph into the drunken patriarch of a dysfunctional family? What do we make of this man who has no dialog until his fall from grace (ibid 6.8)?
Is there an important lesson the Torah is imparting by presenting the life of Noach?
I think the lessons are:
ReplyDelete- we make a difference as individuals, but need to focus on more than our own lot, family, or small group. The lesson is to think about a bigger group such as our community, our people, the world
- we are given gifts, talents and free will; while we can plant a vineyard and choose to do what we want...I believe God expects the righteous to make good decisions and prioritize. Look at Moshe, who was nearly killed for not performing the brit on his son, or the message of Yaakov when they mention cattle before family/schools.
Part of the challenge is for us to rise to the occasion and act in a way that God would act, but not because he "told" us to, but because it is the right thing to do.
****this is my personal opinion and I welcome critical responses without taking offense***** ADZ