Drash on Noach 2024

Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein

Emanuel Synagogue

“This is the line of Noah.— Noah was a righteous man; he was blameless in his age; Noah walked with God”(Genesis 6:9). In addition to introducing us to the central figure in the story of the flood, this verse sets the platform for understanding Noah’s role in the narrative, as well as providing important lessons about individual righteousness and integrity, and what it means to walk with God in a corrupt world.

The description of Noah as “righteous” and “blameless” is of great significance. Our narrative tells us that unlike the rest of humanity, which had descended into violence and corruption, Noah is lauded for his moral character. However, the phrase “in his generation” has led to numerous interpretive debates amongst commentators. Rashi explains that Noah was righteous relative to his contemporaries and that in a more virtuous generation, his actions might not have been extraordinary. However, in his time, a time of moral decay, Noah stood out from the rest. Other commentators, such as Ramban, explain “in his generation” as a form of praise, emphasising that Noah was so righteous that he would have been considered blameless even in a morally just society. These commentaries allow us to understand that, like many other key attributes, righteousness is open to interpretation and it’s possible for individuals to maintain their integrity even when the world around them is devoid thereof.

The obscurity around the term “in his generation” calls on us to reflect on the nature of righteousness and moral integrity in different contexts. Essentially, Noah’s life serves as a model of resilience, suggesting that while it’s often easier to stay aligned with one’s values in a supportive environment, the real test of character is standing firm in the face of corruption or societal pressures. Noah’s righteousness may not have been perfection, but it was his willingness to remain faithful and virtuous in a society defined by disorder and disobedience that set him apart.

The phrase “Noah walked with God” further strengthens our understanding of his special character. Walking with God implies an ongoing, active relationship, one where Noah is aligned with divine will even if he doesn’t fully understand the grand plan (as will be the case with many others throughout the Bible). Rather than suffering the fate of many others, Noah was chosen to remain in the world and work to make it a better place. This detail suggests that walking with God does not always mean isolation or withdrawal from a corrupt world. Sometimes it requires engaging with the world while upholding noble and ethical values, which Noah does through building the ark, gathering animals, and preparing to restart life on earth.

Noah demonstrates that “walking with God” is a personal, continuous journey, one that often requires trust and obedience even when the path is unclear. The building of the ark, an immense and time-consuming task, illustrates Noah’s willingness to act with faith in God’s guidance, even when it seemed highly irrational. Noah’s life shows us that faith is often not just a feeling but an active commitment that may not make immediate sense to others.

Ultimately, Noah’s story teaches us about resilience and the power of even one person’s integrity. In a world that had lost its moral compass, Noah’s dedication created the foundation for a new beginning. His ability to remain righteous in his generation ensured the survival of humanity and all living creatures. This is a powerful reminder that even when we feel alone in our values, our choices have the potential to impact the world in far-reaching ways.

The opening verse of this week’s parasha provides more than just an introduction to Noah; it is a call to reflect on our own lives and moral commitment. We are reminded that righteousness is achievable in every generation, that “walking with God” requires both trust and action, and that our integrity, especially in challenging times, has the power to bring renewal and hope to the world around us.

Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov.