The second section of the Book – Chumash of Genesis, is named after its central character, Noah (Noach in Hebrew). It begins with the account of the great Flood that washed the world clean of depravity and degeneration into which humanity had sunk since the creation of the world.
G-d told Noach to build an ark in order that he, his family, and representatives of all forms of animal life survive the Flood.
G-d told Noach, “Come into the ark, you and your entire household.”
Allegorically, “entering the ark,” means that we should immerse ourselves in the study of Torah and in prayer, in order to protect ourselves from the “flood” of worldly distractions that threaten to “drown” us in materialism.
This does mean however, that when we do this, we should become unconcerned about the needs of others. We cannot be content with our own preservation alone. We are empowered to bring our families, our children and ultimately the entire world into a wholesome, safe haven of Torah study and prayer. The plight of our fellow person should give us no rest, for we are all like one body. If one of us is spiritually ill, we are all affected, and the health of our collective self positively affects the health of each one of us.
Wishing you a meaningful Shabbos and a successful week to follow.
With prayers for an everlasting peace in Israel with the coming of Moshaich.