The Power of One: Torah Insights from Parshat Noach (2022

A Personal Dedication

I dedicate this post to the ilui nishmat (elevation of the soul) of my grandmother, Fradil bat Tovya, a”h. My mother, may she live to 120, often recalls her with reverence—as a Tzadeikes, Eishes Chayil, and Baalat Chesed who filled her home with the Shechinah. May her neshamah have an aliyah.

Baruch Hashem, today we welcomed a new great-granddaughter born in Yerushalayim. May we all continue to share joyful news.

Understanding Parshat Noach: Beyond the Flood

Why Did Hashem Ask Noach to Build a Teivah?

Parshat Noach is filled with powerful Torah insights. One key question is: Why did Hashem command Noach to build a Teivah (ark) over 120 years? Why not save him through a miracle?

The answer is Chesed. Noach needed to learn empathy, and building the ark gave him the opportunity to interact with people, inspire them toward Teshuvah, and care for animals who couldn’t express gratitude. This long process taught him—and us—the value of selfless giving.

Key Insight: Chesed is not just an act—it’s a way of life. The world stands on it.

The Real Sin of the Generation: Gezel (Theft)

Chazal say that the generation wasn’t punished for immorality alone—but for theft, even minor thefts. The disregard for others’ property showed a complete breakdown in human decency. Hashem cannot allow a world without basic respect.

Symbolism of the 15 Amah (Cubits)

The Mabul (Flood) rose 15 amah above the mountains—equal to the gematria of "Yud-Heh," the first two letters of Hashem’s Name. When kedushah exists between ish and ishah, Hashem dwells among them. Without that holiness—as in the time of the Mabul—destruction follows.

Spiritual Takeaway: Our relationships must invite Hashem’s presence.

The Power of One: Noach’s Silent Heroism

Noach was called "Ish Tzaddik Tamim"—a righteous man in a corrupt world. It’s hard to be honest when everyone around you is not. Yet, one person made a difference.

Empathy and Individual Impact

He didn’t pray enough for his generation, yet his actions—building the ark, warning others, showing quiet Chesed—proved that one soul can influence the world.

Let us never underestimate our personal power to bring light and change.

Nimrod and Ashur: Two Paths, One Lesson

Nimrod: Unity for Rebellion

Nimrod was a Gibbor Tzayid, a "mighty hunter" who sought to replace belief in Hashem with belief in human power. He established his kingdom in Bavel (Babylon), a site of tragedy, hoping to unite people under rebellion.

Ashur: Choosing Separation for Holiness

In contrast, Ashur quietly walked away. He refused to raise his children near corruption and founded Nineveh, a city that would later be saved by Teshuvah.

Reward of Ashur: The holy script used for the Torah—Ketav Ashurit—is named after him.

Message: Sometimes, the holiest act is to walk away.

The Tower of Bavel: Unity with the Wrong Purpose

The Generation of the Dispersion (Dor HaFlagah) tried to build a tower to the heavens. They were united—but not for good. They wept for lost bricks, not fallen people.

Hashem’s message: Unity without empathy or purpose is not true unity.

Avraham Avinu: Fearless in Faith

This parsha ends with Avraham Avinu, who defied Nimrod and a world of idol worship. No teachers, no mentors—just faith and courage.

He showed us that even when you stand alone, you can transform the world with emunah (faith) and mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice).

A Call to Action: What Can I Do?

In these difficult times, as we witness grief and hardship across Am Yisrael, our mission is clear:

• Be Nosei B’Ohl—carry others’ burdens

• Pray with kavvanah

• Choose a small act of growth: light Shabbat candles earlier, call someone who is lonely, learn one extra pasuk

When we move out of our comfort zones for others, we bring light into the world.

“Kotnot Or” (garments of skin) can also be read as “Kotnot Ohr” (garments of light). Even after exile, Hashem clothes us in light.

A Chodesh of Light and Salvation

As we begin Chodesh Cheshvan, a month without holidays, may it be filled with unseen miracles, silent redemption, and tremendous yeshuot for all of Klal Yisrael.

May these words be a merit for the aliyah of my dear husband, R' Shlomo ben HaRav Yitzchak, z”l.

Wishing you a Chodesh Tov U'Mevorach, a blessed new month, and a peaceful Shabbat from Antwerp.