Parashat Noach

Rabbi’s Drosh

In this week’s Parasha we read about Noach (Noah) and the Ark.

This part of our Torah has captured the imagination of story tellers, artists, directors, other religions and cultures, Ark-hunters (and of course children’s toy makers!) for generations.

What about Noah’s journey is so appealing across different cultures, times and people? What can we learn from his journey?

Ultimately, the story of Noach is a story of rebuilding and of hope.

As Jews, we make a blessing each time we see a rainbow as a remembrance of the flood and a reminder that Hashem promised never to destroy the world.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֶלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם זוֹכֵר הַבְּרִית וְנֶאֱמָן בִּבְרִיתוֹ וְקַיָם בְּמַאֲמָרוֹ

Baruch ata Ado-nai Elo-heinu melech ha'olam zocher ha'brit v'ne'eman bivrito v'kayam b'ma'amaro.

Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who remembers the covenant, and is faithful to His covenant, and keeps His promise.

Interestingly the Midrash explains that it took Noach 120 years to build and complete the Ark. Surely it should not have taken this long to build. When he was 600 years old, he went into the Ark and subsequently survived the flood.

This week the world’s activities came to a grinding halt for several hours, as people around the world realised Facebook and Whatsapp were down and wondered how they could live without them!

We struggle to even manage a few hours without a couple if Apps and yet Noach was able to have the patience to build the Ark over 120 year all the while being showered with insults, abuse and doubts from the people around him who did not believe the flood was coming.

We have to live life patiently - even when it is hard to do so. When we weather the storms of life we need to have hope that the clouds will part, the sun will shine, and ultimately we will see that rainbow.

No wonder this story has captured imaginations for generations. It is a story of finding your calling, having the patience to fulfil it, and then the hope that all will be well in the end. This is not just a Jewish story, but one that everyone can learn from.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Friedler

Missed the Rabbi’s Class?! Full Class here - Join Rabbi and Deb for the fascinating connections between Noah and the flood and the various days of creation.