The Great Flood, and the Tower of Babel

The sight was simply mind-boggling! Every species of land animal was lined up 2-by-2 in front of that gigantic edifice Noah had constructed with his own two hands. The column extended for miles. Anyone standing nearby could make out the giraffes, tigers, duck-billed platypuses, rabbits, and mice - animals of every shape and size patiently waiting their turn to enter the Ark that would save their lives. The people of the evil generation, who refused to internalize Noah's message to mankind, watched in a stupor as the procession proceeded.

"Could it really be true?" they asked each other. "That eccentric has spent 120 years building a giant boat all by himself, miles away from the nearest body of water!" Whenever those curious throngs questioned its purpose, Noah would reply, "You had better repent fast before the flood arrives. (How long can you tread water??) God is determined to destroy all living souls by a worldwide flood, and your only hope is to change your lifestyle. This immorality must stop right away!"

The leaders of the generation were livid! "You just wait until the day you intend to enter your Ark. We'll cut down the Ark and everyone aboard it!"

The fateful day arrived. As soon as the last of the animals had entered Noah's refuge, the designated warriors were prepared to carry out their threat. The catapult's missiles were readied for launching; the fiery arrows were already lit. Suddenly, a hundred animals emitted a great roar all at once. The lions and tigers and bears (Oh my!) all attacked in unison. The would-be warriors fled to the hills for fear of their lives. At that moment, it started to rain... (adapted from the Midrash)

Parshat Noah relates one of the oldest and most widely told universal stories. Almost every ancient nation - from the American Indians to the Chinese - has a tradition of a flood connected to a tower. The Torah stresses the moral lesson: Man is responsible for the world, and his actions can destroy or preserve it!