Outline of the Rebbe's Explanation of Pirkei Avos Chapter V
Likkutei Sichos Volume 15, Pages 70 - 74
Chapter 5, Mishnah 2: There were ten generations from Adam until Noach. This is to teach us the extent of Hashem's tolerance. All those generations angered Him until (ultimately) He brought upon them the waters of the Flood. There were ten generations from Noach to Avrohom. This is to teach us the extent of G-d's tolerance, for all these generations angered Him until Abraham came and reaped the reward for them all.
The Simple Explanation
Our Mishnah teaches us several important lessons. The first generations after creation were very close to Hashem's creation of Adam. The people certainly had great insight into the power of Hashem. Nevertheless, they chose not to follow Him. The fact that G-d tolerated this behavior demonstrates His incredible mercy. Therefore, we should not wonder how the Almighty has allowed the nations to subjugate His chosen people for a long time.
Difficulties in Understanding the Mishnah
The Mishnah speaks of two sets of ten generations: from creation until Noach and from Noach until Avrohom. We must understand the different expressions used to describe these two sets of eras. Regarding the generations from Noach until Avrohom, the Mishnah tells us that Avrohom received the reward of all previous generations. However, regarding Noach, we find no such thing. Why did Noach not receive the reward of all of the earlier generations?
The Explanation
The Zohar tells us, "Noach did not beseech G-d for mercy on behalf of the world." In other words, he did not attempt to express the merits of his generation. He did not pray on their behalf despite knowing their fate. Contrast this with the behavior of Avrohom Avinu; he prayed fervently on behalf of the people of Sodom. He tried with all of his might to save them.
In this respect, Avrohom's behavior was comparable to Moshe Rabbeinu's. After the sin of the golden calf, he prayed valiantly on behalf of the Jews. He even carried this a step further, telling the Almighty that if you do not forgive them, "erase me now from Your book, which You have written."
We see that Avrohom helped bring about the merit of his generation. He deserved to receive their reward because of his part in their merit. May we learn from our father Avrohom and teacher Moshe how to relate to those around us. We must always give them the benefit of the doubt. We must seek their welfare, both spiritually and physically. In this way, we will all merit to be inscribed for a good, sweet year.
Adapted from the Sichah of Shabbos Parshas Re'eh, 5735
