Ra'anana Community Kollel - Parshat Noach 5764

Rashi cites two different approaches of the Sages in understanding the character of Noach as described in the opening verse of this week’s parsha. Some claimed that Noach was only considered righteous relative to the spiritual degradation that was prevalent in his own generation. However, had he lived in the generation of Avraham he would not have been considered a person of note. Conversely, others reasoned that the verse is actually praising Noach, emphasizing that as he had the strength of character to remain righteous even in a generation of evildoers, then certainly if he had lived in the generation of Avraham he would have achieved much more. Nevertheless, upon closer examination, these seemingly different approaches do not actually contradict one another. Rather, all agree that in comparison to the righteous who lived in the generation of Avraham, Noach would not have been considered a person of note. However, had Noach actually lived in a righteous generation and not in a wicked one, he would undoubtedly have absorbed much of its positive influence, enabling him to accomplish far more than he actually did.

From this understanding of the words of our Sages, we can take a powerful message with regard to selecting the environment in which we choose to live. Like all human beings, we have a tendency to judge the status of our own situation in relation to that of our neighbors and associates. When one lives in a low-income area, it is much easier for him or her to feel comfortable with a minimal level of physical comforts, while when a person moves to a more wealthy neighborhood he or she experiences a newfound push to duplicate the accomplishments of one’s neighbors. Even if we can be counted amongst righteous in our own particular community, it is easy for us to feel satisfied with ourselves and refrain from trying to progress any further.

On the other hand, the environment that one chooses for oneself can have an opposite effect on one as well. When a person lives in a place where one is surrounded by people whose level of religious commitment far surpasses one’s own, a person’s natural tendency to judge himself or herself in relation to others can motivate him or her to achieve far more than one would have. Although in truth, Hashem judges each person according to the person’s own unique potential and not in comparison with the accomplishments of others, often our natural preoccupation with the accomplishments of others can serve as an effective motivation towards spiritual growth.

The Gemara Brachot 28b relates that when Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai was suffering from his final illness his students approached him and requested his blessing. He was quick to respond, “May your fear of Heaven equal your fear of flesh and blood.” This seems like quite a strange final blessing for a teacher to give his students! Certainly, one’s fear of Heaven should far exceed the concern that he or she feels for the opinion of his associates! However, Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai spoke a great truth. Obviously one’s fear of Divine retribution should far surpass the embarrassment that one feels from other people, but nevertheless, practically speaking, most of us are far more motivated by the way in which we will be viewed by our peers.

We can all utilize this fact to our advantage in increasing our level of Jewish commitment. As in all other areas of human endeavor, sometimes what the ideal is becomes irrelevant when practically speaking the facts are otherwise. If we are to succeed in becoming greater people we must use every means at our disposal to assist us. One’s environment can serve as a strong spiritual springboard - if it is chosen with care.