Chasidic Insights

CHASIDIC INSIGHTS PARSHAS NOACH 5765 BS"D

Ch. 6, v. 9: "Eileh toldos Noach Noach" - The result of pursuing relaxation and laziness is more laziness. (Rabbi Moshe of Dolina)

Ch. 6, v. 9: "Tomim hoyoh b'dorosov" - Rashi on the gemara A.Z. 7 explains that "tomim" refers to the character traits of modesty and humility. Noach could have easily thought very highly of himself in comparison to the people in his generation. Instead he measured himself to the standard expected by Hashem, "es hoElokim his'ha'leich Noach." (Admor Rabbi Leibish of Ozhrov) His grandson, Rabbi Moshe Yechiel adds that this is the intention of "ki os'cho ro'isi tzadik l'fonai bador ha'zeh." You are a tzadik "l'fonai," according to My standard, even though you are "bador ha'zeh," and could have easily fallen into the trap of sizing yourself up in comparison with the people of your generation. (Aish Dos)

Ch. 6, v. 11: "Vatishocheis ho'oretz lifnei hoElokim" - The desrtruction was the result of placing primary importance in physicality, "ho'oretz," ahead of Elokim. (Rebbe Reb Ber the Magid of Mezeritch)

Ch. 6, v. 14: "V'chofarto oso mibayis umichutz bakofer" - Rabbi Shimshon R'foel Hirsch once entered a temple of reform worship. He found a stunningly beautiful building with most exquisite appointments within and without. However, it was replete with changes, including change of location and direction of the bimoh and the inclusion of musical instruments. When asked his impression, he responded, "It is like Noach's ark, but in truth it is quite different." Upon being pressed for an explanation of his enigmatic comment, he continued, "Noach's ark was 'v'chofarto oso mibayis umichutz bakofer,' and this edifice is likewise enveloped within and without in 'k'firoh.' However, in truth it is quite unlike Noach's ark, as Noach's ark saved all those it housed from the ravages of the flood, while this temple will not save its occupiers from the flood of heresy that prevails."

Ch. 7, v. 23: "Va'yisho'er ach Noach" - Noach survived because he was humble, "ACH miuta hu." (Nirreh li)

Ch. 8, v. 2: "Va'y'ko'lei hageshem min hashomayim" - The physicality, "gashmius," is negligible, when one is connected "min hashomayim." (Rabbi Avrohom Hamaloch)

Ch. 8, v. 7: "Va'y'shalach es ho'oreiv - The raven is the most cruel of all birds, not even attending to the needs of its offspring. The flood came because of total selfishness. Noach symbolically sent away the raven to show that from now on earth's inhabitants will be kind to each other. (Eizor Eliyohu)

Ch. 8, v. 18: "Va'yeitzei Noach uvonov v'ishto unshei vonov" - Even though Hashem had granted permission to resume marital relations the verse still places the wives separately, to indicate that they did not immediately involve themselves with this, so as to fulfill the concept of "k'doshim t'h'yu," - "ka'deish atz'm'cho b'mutar loch." (Rabbi Leibel Eiger in Toras Emes)

A GUTTEN SHABBOS KODESH. FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED. FEEL FREE TO DISTRIBUTE BY COPY OR ELECTRONICALLY. TO SUBSCRIBE SEND REQUEST TO SHOLOM613@AOL.COM.

See also Sedrah Selections and Oroh V'Simchoh