From Noach to Abraham: Embracing Community in our Spiritual Journey
By: Rabbi Johnny Ouzzan, Upper School Judaic Studies Teacher
This Parsha can be triggering for many. The Torah labels Noach as an “Ish Tzaddik”, a righteous man. The commentaries see two ways of understanding this title. Some suggest that Noach was so great in his generation that he’d be even greater in Abraham’s generation. Others see the phrase pejoratively, as if to say, Noach was only great in comparison to his evil generation. But if Noach would have been in Abraham's Generation he wouldn't have been so special.
The question is: Why are we looking at a negative way to interpret God’s words when He clearly declares that Noach was an “Ish Tzaddik”? Isn’t it clear that the phrase is meant to be taken positively as a sign of Hashem’s approval of Noach? After all, was he not the one tasked with saving the world and building the ark?
I believe the key is to understand the greatness of the one who Noach is being compared to: Abraham. It was Abraham who was chosen to the the first forefather of the Jewish people, not Noach. There must have been one major component in Abraham’s service to God or personality that would explain why he’s compared favorably to Noach.
When we analyze the difference in life stories between these two giants there is indeed one glaring difference. While Noach was indeed pure of character and nobility, he did not see it as his obligation to elevate those around him. It was good enough for him to live a life of morality and goodness and to raise a family with those values. And of course, if God Himself asks you to build an ark - you build the ark! But that’s where it ended for Noach. There was no real attempt to go out into the world and try to get fellow humans to repent and acknowledge their Creator. Noach saw it as their responsibility to help themselves.
By contrast, as soon as Abraham discovered God, he immediately understood that this epiphany must be shared to all of mankind. Abraham felt, “If I have access to something good, something true and pure, then why would I hold this to myself? I must share this!” To Abraham, it wasn’t enough to sit back and learn Torah and bask in the glory of Hashem. As long as there were humans that could be reached out to, Abraham felt that his mission was critical. No human left behind!
We just concluded the auspicious High Holidays of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Part of the repentance of interpersonal relationships has been the need for us to reconcile with our friends and those we’ve hurt. Now that we’ve hopefully achieved atonement and are starting a new year, it behooves us to analyze our service of Hashem in this world. Are we a Noach or are we an Abraham? Are we concerned solely with our own spiritual wellbeing, or are we also invested in the growth of our friends, families and communities?
Let's be Abrahamic. Have a wonderful Shabbos!