What did Noach accomplish? He saved all mankind. In the absence of Noach, humanity would have become extinct soon after it had begun. Single-handedly, he ensured the continuity of life on Earth. He is the man who builds an ark, rescues all living organisms, and ensures that our world survives.
And who is the individual who achieves this feat? A person called by the Torah “a man of the earth.” The only story the Torah tells us about Noach, outside of constructing the Ark and spending a year in it during the Great Flood, is that he was a farmer; he planted a vineyard, became intoxicated, and exposed himself. That’s all. The last thing we hear about him is that he lay there in his tent, drunk and bare.
The Rabbis deduce from the text that “Noach, also, was of those people who were wanting in faith: he believed and he did not believe that the Flood would come, and he would not enter the Ark until the waters forced him to do so.”
Noach was a fine man who lived a decent, moral life and tried to do what G-d wanted, but was not without his flaws, doubts, and struggles. Compared to Abraham, he would not amount to much.
But look what this simple fellow achieved! In a society dripping with greed and temptation, Noach held to his morals, walked with G-d, and swam against the tide, saving the planet from destruction. Civilization survived not because of a towering, titanic figure, but because of a simple man who had the courage to live morally when everyone around him behaved despicably.
Remarkably, by degrading Noach and stating that in other generations Noach would be eclipsed, the Rabbis turned him into the most inspiring figure, someone who serves as a model for all of us ordinary men and women. Noach is my hero, the hero of the ordinary cut-of-the-mill individual who is no great thinker, warrior, leader, or man of transcendence. By explaining the biblical text the way they did, the Sages turned Noach into a symbol for us ordinary people, who appreciate a fine cup of wine and a little schnapps, how we can make a difference in people’s lives.
The message of Noach is life-changing. You don’t need to be Abraham or Moses to transform the world. Noach was just another kid on the block, but look what he did! With your own courage not to toe the line of corruption, fakeness, and falsehood, with a little gentleness, friendliness, compassion, kindness, and goodness, you can save lives, ignite sparks, and create an “ark” of sanity amidst a raging flood.
In the presence of great moral giants, he might be eclipsed, the Talmud says. Standing near Abraham, he would appear insignificant. And that is exactly what made him so significant! He set a standard for those of us who appear in our own eyes as insignificant.
It is an educational mistake to see spiritual success in the absence of struggle and the repression of authentic emotions. Look at Noach. He was a flawed man, and he saved the world!
So today, decide to emulate Noach, a simple man who was true to his soul and his G-d. In your own way, stand up to lies, greed, and promiscuity. Become a beacon of light, love, and hope. Construct an ark where others can find shelter from a flood of pain and insanity. Stop giving the excuse that you are just a regular guy, minding your own business. All of us can be Noachs.
RABBI YY JACOBSON
