Noah is a biblical character whose story appears in the book of Genesis. The Torah describes him as the sole righteous person in the midst of a wicked generation. When God decides to flood the earth, God warns Noah and instructs him to build an ark. During the flood, Noah, his family, and representatives of every animal survive on the ark.
Notable Sources
All Sources
A
Noah's Unwavering VirtueTANAKH
Noah's Unwavering Virtue
TANAKH
Noah's righteousness and unique relationship with God set him apart in a generation filled with wickedness. The Torah describes Noah as blameless and walking with God, highlighting his exceptional moral and spiritual integrity.
Noah's Righteousness in ContextCOMMENTARY
Noah's Righteousness in Context
COMMENTARY
Noah's righteousness is debated, with some arguing it was significant even in a wicked generation, while others believe he would not have been considered righteous in a more virtuous generation. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, explores this debate in his commentary on Genesis 6:9:2.
Walking with GodMIDRASH
Walking with God
MIDRASH
Noah's relationship with God is uniquely characterized by his need for divine support, unlike Abraham who is seen as leading the way. The early medieval midrash, Bereshit Rabbah, a talmudic-era midrashic work on the book of Genesis, contrasts the spiritual journeys of Noah and Abraham, offering deep insights into their respective relationships with God.
The Woes of WineTALMUD
The Woes of Wine
TALMUD
The story of Noah's drunkenness serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of uncontrolled drinking. This talmudic discussion notes that a repeating letter in the Torah text emphasizes the misfortune and suffering caused by Noah's actions.
The Mystical Power of NamesKABBALAH
The Mystical Power of Names
KABBALAH
When spelled in reverse, the Hebrew name Noah becomes chen, the Hebrew word for "favor". The Zohar, a foundational Kabbalistic text, delves into the mystical significance of names such as Noah's and their impact on one's fate.
Illuminating the ArkTALMUD
Illuminating the Ark
TALMUD
The use of precious stones and jewels to provide light in Noah's ark offers a unique and fascinating interpretation of a biblical verse. Rabbi Yochanan, in the Talmudic tractate Sanhedrin, interprets the term "tzohar" in Genesis 6:16 as referring to precious stones and jewels that illuminated the ark.
The Emotional Toll on NoahCOMMENTARY
The Emotional Toll on Noah
COMMENTARY
Noah's immense responsibility and isolation during the flood led to a profound psychological and emotional toll, culminating in his unraveling and loss of dignity. In her contemporary book Karati Bekhol Lev, Rabbanit Michal Tikochinsky delves into Noah's post-flood psychological state, referring to the Zohar's mystical interpretation of his experiences.
Beyond Individual RighteousnessCOMMENTARY
Beyond Individual Righteousness
COMMENTARY
Noah's story teaches us that individual righteousness is insufficient if it does not inspire or save others. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, in his commentary on Deuteronomy, uses Noah's story to emphasize the importance of communal responsibility in Judaism.
The Multifunctional Window in Noah's ArkCOMMENTARY
The Multifunctional Window in Noah's Ark
COMMENTARY
The window (tzohar) in Noah's ark had practical and multifaceted functions beyond merely admitting light. Rabbi Jacob ben Asher, in his medieval commentary Tur HaArokh, explores the diverse opinions of Jewish sages on the various uses of the tzohar in Noah's ark.
Permission to Eat MeatCOMMENTARY
Permission to Eat Meat
COMMENTARY
Noah's unique righteousness granted him the privilege to eat meat, a distinction not given to Adam. The Siftei Chakhamim commentary on Rashi’s explanations of the Torah explores the shift in dietary laws from Adam to Noah, reflecting changes in human-animal relationships post-Flood.
Noah's CautiousnessCOMMENTARY
Noah's Cautiousness
COMMENTARY
Noah's cautiousness and concern for safety are highlighted in his decision-making process during the flood. Radak, a medieval Jewish commentator, provides a detailed analysis of Noah's actions, particularly focusing on the timing of opening the window of the ark.
The Ark's BlueprintMIDRASH
The Ark's Blueprint
MIDRASH
The detailed organization of the animals in Noah's ark reveals a structured and methodical approach to housing various creatures during the flood. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a midrashic text, enumerates the different types of animals and their designated compartments within the ark.
Walking with GodCHASIDUT
Walking with God
CHASIDUT
Noah's unwavering righteousness and dedication to God serve as an inspiring model for personal piety and spiritual growth. The 18th-century Chasidic commentary Noam Elimelekh, by Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, explores Noah's complete devotion to walking with God and performing all his deeds for the sake of God's name.
The Covenant of the RainbowHALAKHAH
The Covenant of the Rainbow
HALAKHAH
The rainbow is a symbol of God's covenant with Noah, reminding us that there will never again be a flood to destroy all flesh on earth. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed’s contemporary work, Peninei Halakhah, discusses the blessing recited upon seeing a rainbow, reflecting gratitude for God's promise.