Noach and Shabbos

Noach and Shabbos
Written by Rabbi Shimshon Silkin

Noah at the root of Shabbat – an oasis of rest and tranquility in time – the root of that tranquility – menuchah – is No-ach – a rock in the midst of the rising tide of evil of that time – the eye of the storm – the ark of the flood. This is Noah- the inspiration to shut out, rise above the swirling waters –this is Shabbat – the power to recharge, refocus, shut the world out, rise above it.

And yet Noah is chastised – “honored” with the flood’s association with his name – “the flood of Noah” – for not sharing, caring, opening his world to those drowning around him. Our homes, arks – must be secure but open to the world; and most of all, on Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom! Rabbi Shimshon Silkin