1. The Beginning of Parshas Noach and the Purpose of the Flood
We begin this week’s Torah and Tea with Parshas Noach, which opens with the story of the flood. Hashem sees that the earth has become corrupt—ki hishchis kol basar es darko—all flesh had corrupted its way on earth (Bereishis 6:12). Even the animals were behaving in unnatural ways. Hashem tells Noach that He is going to destroy all life because the world is filled with chamas—violence and wrongdoing. Hashem instructs Noach to build a teivah—an ark—from gopher wood, giving him specific measurements and details. The Chassidic masters point out that Hashem could have saved Noach in many ways, but He wanted Noach to build the ark publicly so people would ask about it, giving them a chance to repent. Rashi explains that this was an opportunity for others to see and perhaps change their ways. The flood itself was not just a punishment but also a cleansing process for the world. The forty days of rain correspond to forty days of purification, similar to a mikveh—a ritual bath—which contains forty measures of water. This teaches us that even when something seems negative, like destruction or challenge, there is a positive aspect: it can lead to renewal and purification.
2. The Symbolism of the Teivah and Surviving Life’s Challenges
The floodwaters represent overwhelming challenges in life—difficulties that threaten to drown us. The teivah, or ark, symbolizes protection through Torah and tefillah—prayer. Just as Noach entered the ark for safety, we too can find refuge in spiritual pursuits when faced with life’s storms. King Shlomo says in Shir HaShirim: mayim rabim lo yuchlu l’chabos es ha’ahavah—many waters cannot extinguish love (Shir HaShirim 8:7). This means that no matter how many difficulties we face, our love for Hashem remains strong if we anchor ourselves in Torah and prayer. Sometimes those who have faced great challenges emerge even stronger than those who have had an easy path. The “many waters” can actually give us more strength and resilience if we use them as opportunities for growth.
3. The Mystery of Tzohar: Window or Precious Stone?
Hashem tells Noach: Tzohar ta’aseh lateivah—make a “tzohar” for the ark (Bereishis 6:16). There are two main interpretations: one says it was a window, while another says it was a precious stone that gave light inside the ark. If it was a window, there’s a question—what use was a window if there was no sun or moon during the forty days of rain? Rashi brings both explanations: perhaps there was both a window (used later when sending out the raven and dove) and a precious stone (which provided light during total darkness). The Rebbe explains that not every detail is spelled out in the Torah—Noach surely brought oil and wicks for regular light as well—but “tzohar” refers to an additional source of illumination Hashem wanted him to create. There’s also deeper meaning here: there are two ways to bring light into darkness. One is by opening up—a window—to let Divine light shine through from outside; another is by transforming darkness itself so it becomes luminous like a precious stone from within. In our lives, sometimes we need outside inspiration, but ultimately our goal is to transform ourselves so we shine on our own.
4. Kosher Animals and Positive Speech in Torah Language
Hashem instructs Noach to bring seven pairs of every “clean” animal—meaning animals that would eventually be kosher—and only one pair of each “not clean” animal onto the ark. The Torah uses extra words here: instead of saying beheimah temei’ah—defiled animal—it says asher einenah tehorah—that which is not clean (Bereishis 7:2). The Talmud notes this longer phrasing teaches us always to use positive language rather than negative terms. The Rebbe exemplified this approach by always choosing uplifting words—for example, calling hospitals beis refuah—a house of healing—instead of focusing on illness or negativity. Even when referring to people with challenges or disabilities, he would use terms like “special children” rather than negative labels. This teaches us not only how to speak but also how to view others—with kindness and positivity rather than judgment or harshness.
5. Seeing Others Positively: Lessons from Noach’s Sons
After leaving the ark, Noach plants a vineyard, becomes drunk, and lies uncovered in his tent. Cham sees his father’s nakedness and tells his brothers Shem and Yefes, who respectfully cover their father without looking at him. The Torah emphasizes twice that Shem and Yefes did not see their father’s shame—even though it already said they walked backwards so as not to look at him. Why repeat it? The Baal Shem Tov teaches that when you see something negative in someone else, it’s often like looking in a mirror—it reflects something within yourself that needs fixing. But sometimes Hashem shows us another person’s flaw so we can help them—not judge them negatively but support them constructively. If seeing someone else’s failing makes you feel superior or judgmental, then it’s your own issue you need to address; if you simply see someone needs help without feeling negativity toward them, then you are being shown this so you can assist them. This lesson applies especially during challenging times—when people are struggling emotionally or spiritually—we must avoid judging others harshly and instead offer support without condescension or negativity.
6. The Olive Leaf: Survival After Destruction
When Noach sends out birds from the ark after the floodwaters recede, the dove returns with an olive leaf in its mouth—a sign that life has begun anew outside. Where did this olive leaf come from if everything was destroyed? Some say it came from Gan Eden or Eretz Yisrael (which didn’t experience the flood), but according to the Rebbe’s simple reading (pshat), olive trees are strong enough to survive even severe conditions like flooding—the leaf came from new growth on such a tree. The Torah specifies an olive branch because olives symbolize resilience—they survive adversity—and peace (hence offering an “olive branch”). This detail shows hope after destruction: even after devastation there can be renewal and growth.
7. Recap: Bringing Light Into Darkness & Our Responsibility Toward Others
To summarize: We explored two interpretations of tzohar, learning about both external inspiration (window) and internal transformation (precious stone). We discussed how important it is both to speak gently—with positive language—and also look at others gently—not judging but helping where needed. From Shem and Yefes covering their father respectfully without seeing his shame, we learned about self-reflection versus judgmental attitudes—the importance of seeing others’ struggles as opportunities either for self-improvement or compassionate assistance rather than condemnation. Finally, we saw how even after total destruction there can be new growth—the olive branch symbolizing hope after hardship—and how eventually one must leave their protective “ark” (teivah) behind and re-engage with the world positively. May these lessons inspire us all week—to bring more light into our lives and into those around us! See you next week at six o’clock for more Torah & Tea!