2984 —נח ואברהם, מעמד צדיק בדורות שונים

B"H, 27 Tishrei, 5715.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavacha"ch iy"a nu"n etc. Avraham Sender

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your booklet in due time, and as you suggested, I postponed addressing the matter until after the holidays. As our Sages say regarding matters of fathers: "Do not say 'When I have free time I will study,' for perhaps you will never have free time," since distractions have not lessened but rather increased. Therefore, I do not wish to delay this matter further and will at least write a few lines; please forgive me.

It is known that one does not respond to a drush (see Kanfei Yonah II, siman 125), but as is customary in such matters, I will also add my part. Our Sages said (Yerushalmi end of Berachos): "Petitya d'Oraysa tavin."

Regarding your first point on the verse "Tzadik hayah bedorosav" (He was righteous in his generations), our Sages comment that this would not be so in Avraham's generation. The question arises (as also asked in Torah Sheleimah): since when Noach died, Avraham was already 58 years old—how can it be said that Noach would not be considered a tzadik in Avraham's generation?

This can be explained: "in his generations" means in his own generation—that is, he was its leader and guide. As our Sages say: "A generation and its leaders," etc. (Vayikra Rabbah ch. 56).

See also the beginning of page three regarding reasons for mitzvos—refer to what the great Moreh writes in Moreh Nevuchim III:31 and onward; Iggeres HaKodesh by Rabbeinu HaZaken siman 19; Sefer Taamei HaMitzvos by the tzt"z at the end of mitzvah Pru Urvu; Mitzvas Ner Chanukah at the beginning of chapter three; and more.

Regarding salt specifically—see Likkutei Torah at the end of Parshas Vayikra on "Lo tashbis melach" and its explanation.

Toward the end of your booklet about how great baalei teshuvah are—even greater than complete tzadikim—see Iggeres HaTeshuvah by Rabbeinu HaZaken at the end of chapter eight. This aligns with what is written in Tanya at the end of chapter seven about such great teshuvah—as our Sages say: "In the place where baalei teshuvah stand..."

I enjoyed seeing you here at the Simchas Torah farbrengen, though it is unfortunate you could not also attend the Shabbos Bereishis farbrengen at the start of the year.

As is well known from a saying of Admor HaTzt"z which we heard from my revered father-in-law regarding Shabbos Bereishis: one's conduct then influences the entire year. May it be G‑d's will that your good intentions be considered as actual deed.

With blessing for a healthy winter to you and all yours.

Summary

The Rebbe explains that Noach's status as a tzadik applies within his own generation as its leader, even though he lived into Avraham's lifetime. Leadership context defines spiritual stature across eras. He encourages learning from these distinctions and blesses for a good year ahead.