Noach 5786

This one will give us rest and comfort. Noach created several farm implements to ease the work of mankind, after the earth had been cursed. Despite this debt of gratitude owed him, and sufficient respect for his thoughts and skill, when he started to build the Teyva, on dry land, as Hashem had commanded him, not only did the people not take the time to listen and evaluate, they mocked him. They could not hear what he was saying, and had to destroy him, to unheed, the message.  He was a tzaddik , and removed himself from the sins the people were doing, even though “everyone” was doing it. It had become socially sanctioned expression. What guided people actions, were whether others also were. Not if it was good or bad in the eyes of Hashem.

Whatever is written down in the Chumash has relevance to al time.   We live in a time of group think and fear of self-expression. If the thoughts are different from those around you, it is quickly suppressed, to get along. When shopping, how often do you go online to ask all the group if they like it, because you have lost your self-knowledge, you don’t know if you like it or not, you just need to make sure everyone else approves.  How hard is it to be a Noach and evaluate your own knowing and checking according to your hunch. An example that is often cited are doctors in China. They were taught that to save humanity from starvation, they are obligated to kill any child after the first. The society has been set up to follow this through from beginning to end. From the “Family planning specialist” who informs on anyone who tries for a second child, to the Dr who kills any chils up to 1 year caught,  to the lack of any schooling , healthcare or chance at a successful life, it is all legal and normalized.   How many people take a step back and ask themselves the question, is this good or bad, despite its legality

In many states and countries, Euthanasia is legalized. The question arises, most anyone can figure this out with availability out there. Why the need to enshrine it in law?   A person themselves would have severe doubts, naturally. Yet our society demands  do not burden anyone, Where the Tora says , this is your opportunity to learn to give, selflessly. But if the DR says so, what could they do. The Dr has his alibi ready, what could I do , it was the law. And the Govt will have its alibi ready, it as voted in as the will of the people. The problem is we’ve had this before. It didn’t work . Not for Adam, nor Chava and especially not the snake.

Practically speaking what can you do, it seems so large the problem and what can one person do? 

Noach saved humanity with his actions. Take one small thing and take one small step. For example, recently it became popular in certain  circles to curse.  Naturally a person has a layer of light that surrounds him, Kosnos OHR. Each day Hashem gives it back to you anew when you say the Bracha Malbish Arumim, and Hanosen Lyoef Koach . It is a force field that protects you as you build each day. As one curses, it is like acid to the person. The light becomes corroded and porous. Making a person susceptible to sin.  It really really matters if you think He is here, and your actions do something. . Start with one small step away from

living your life for approval, Do it because you searched for a truth, one small thing that bothers you in your life and you realized what you wanted You check if it is good or bad. and start. Watch a new pathway start , with many roadblocks to test your sincerity and push forward to grow strong, to open your life for you.

As Heard from Harav Ephraim Goldstein

By Gittel Goldstein