G-d commanded Noach to make extra light for the Ark (replace misery צרה with light (צוהר), either with: a window (removing obstacles to G-dliness) or precious stones (its own source of light revealing the G-dliness within). A window (light by removing obstacles) symbolizes the G-dliness that becomes revealed in nature; precious stones (light from within) is the transformation of nature itself
צהר
This Parsha teaches lessons about proper speaking patterns (types of animals) and proper seeing patterns (Noach and his children). Even though our mission includes “fixing” others as well as ourselves, we need to strive to not see the “bad” of others
אשר איננה טהורה
Olive trees are extremely hardy that even without its leaves, it could survive the flood; the new olive leaf told Noach that the waters subsided enough for new foliage. ירידה צורך עליה יתירה Flood was like a mikvah not just to restore to its former level, but to add kedusha even to Eretz Yisrael
עלה זית
Command was for Noach to busy himself with the building of Ark (and not that the Ark be built); thus, taking a long time allowed other people to see the activity and repent. Noach only did as commanded; Moshe demonstrated Mesiras Nefesh for the people; so too, after Matan Torah, every Jew is responsible for another
עשה לך תבת
The Zohar predicts that in the six hundredth year of the sixth millennium (5600-1840) there will be an opening of the supernal gates of wisdom and of the lower wellsprings of wisdom, preparing the world for the seventh millennium; dual development of Chassidus and of modern technology enabled us to be able to envision the time when “all flesh will see that G-d speaks”
נבקעו כל מעינות
Before the Flood, HaShem sustained the world despite its low state with kindness (thus long-life spans); after the Flood, the world was purified, allowing for the possibility of connection between the Above and the below, resulting in; The clouds are able to reflect light making the rainbow possible. Keeping Shabbos becomes assur for B’nai Noach
לא ישבתו
In the image of G-d (נפש השכלית) includes all mankind. חביב אדם שנברא בצלם – בני נח. חיבה יתירה נודעת לו שנברא בצלם – יהודי
בצלם אלקים
Upside-down Nun expresses that G-d’s anger which ended with the advent of Avrohom. 1st 2000 years (Tohu) influence from above to below (longer life spans). Avrohom begins era of Torah (influence of below to above). Now we work through the order of hishtalshelus from below to above (chassidus) in preparation for Moshiach
בחרן
Idol worship includes action, but primarily involves a person’s mind; thus, Rambam in his laws of idol worship related to the mindset of those that began idol worship. Avram used intellect to affirm G-d. One must use intellect for the G-dly light of this world and emunah for G-dliness beyond this world
בדורותיו
