B"H
Friday, Tishrei 30, 5785 / November 1, 2024
Today, Friday, and tomorrow, Shabbat, is Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan - also called “Mar-Cheshvan. As on every Rosh Chodesh, we recite the Hallel and the additional Musaf service and also read from the Torah about the Rosh Chodesh sacrifices in the Temple.
The first half of this week’s Parsha, Noach, is about the ark Noach built; The Great Flood and the great destruction it caused.
Q. The Parsha tells us that the waters of The Great Flood came down for a period of forty days. What is the significance of forty?
A. The Torah says, “And the earth was corrupted before G-d, and the earth was filled with “Gezel” – “robbery.” Although, the people committed many sins against G-d, yet their verdict was sealed due to the sin of robbery. The numerical value of the Hebrew word, “Gezel” - “robbery” is 40.
After The Flood, G-d promised Noach never again to bring such destruction upon the world. G-d said to Noach, “This is a sign of the covenant which I am placing between Me and every living soul that is with you, for all generations. I have placed My rainbow in the cloud, and it will be a sign between Myself and the earth… I will look at it and remember the everlasting covenant.”
Because the rainbow is such a significant symbol, the sages established the following special blessing upon seeing a rainbow: “Blessed are you L-rd, our G-d, King of the universe, Who remembers the covenant, is trustworthy in His covenant and fulfills His word.”
Q. Why did G-d have to give Noach a sign that He will never destroy the world?
A. TheMidrash explains that when G-d told Noach, after The Flood, to leave the ark and be fruitful and multiply, Noach was hesitant to have more children for fear that G-d may again destroy the world.
G-d then made an oath not to bring another flood which will destroy the universe. Noah was still hesitant and asked G-d for a sign. G-d showed him the rainbow and declared, "This is my sign. Whenever mankind will deserve a flood, I will look at the rainbow and remember the covenant."
Q. How is G-d's covenant not to bring destruction to the world represented by the rainbow?
A. The Midrash explains that when two warriors approached each other to make peace, each one would point their bow toward themselves to signal that they do not seek war.
Thus, G-d said to Noah, "During The Great Flood My bow was drawn and aimed at the world. The rainbow resembles the bow pointing upward. This expresses My promise never to direct My arrows of destruction against the world again." It also serves as a reminder for mankind to improve their ways.
SHABBAT SHALOM & A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL CHODESH-MONTH
Montreal candle lighting time: 5:33 / Shabbat ends: 6:32
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW