By Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles
Words produce light.
This powerful message emerges at the commencement of Parshat Noach. Hashem commanded Noach to construct an ark, instructing him, “צהר תעשה לתיבה” - make a window for the Ark”, enabling it to be bathed in light so that it can reflect that light.
The Sfat Emet brilliantly comments that the Hebrew word “תיבה,” which means “Ark”, also means “word” in Mishnaic Hebrew.
At a homiletical level, he suggests that Hashem was saying to Noah: “צהר תעשה לתיבה” - enable the word to be bathed in light so that it can reflect light.
Where were we standing at that point?
Hashem had seen how the first ten generations on earth were a disaster. As a result, He was just about to press the reset button, making Noach, an ‘Adam mark two’.
Hashem was indicating to Noach that the violence and destruction prevalent during these generations were predominantly produced by words - the darkness of words, and the danger arising from them.
As we were about to recommence life in a new era, Hashem wanted us to know that we can ensure our words transmit and reflect light.
Words can produce light.
This message is particularly relevant today, given the harm caused by negative statements that poison minds around the globe.
For the sake of our peace, our tranquility, and the future of our fragile world, let’s guarantee that our words will always produce light! One way is by raising our voices together in praise and gratitude to Hashem for the great miracle we have witnessed - the release and safe return of the living hostages. With hearts full of thanks, we acknowledge His endless kindness and mercy, and we pray that those who have returned home find healing, strength, and peace after all they have endured.
We also continue to pray for the release of the remaining hostage bodies and Divine Protection over our courageous IDF soldiers, police officers, medical teams, firefighters, ZAKA members, security forces, and every individual who stands in defense of our people - in Israel and throughout the world.
May all who are in need, be blessed with healing, yeshuot, shidduchim, children, and parnassah tova, and may we be blessed to have just continuous joy and to only go from one simcha through to the next, the most awesome, gorgeous, beautiful, peaceful, happy, healthy, amazing, relaxed, spiritual and sweet Shabbat.
NUMBER OF MITZVOT: None
NUMBER OF PESUKIM: 153
NUMBER OF WORDS: 1861
NUMBER OF LETTERS: 6907
HAFTORA:
Ashkenazim: Yeshayahu 54:1 - 55:5
Sephardim & Chabad: Yeshayahu 54:1-10
