Finding Favor

The Torah tells us that, “Noach found favor (Chein) in the eyes of G-d. There is a great deal of discussion as to what one must do to find favor with Hashem.

The Rabbis came up with four different traits that one needs to have in order to act in a pleasing way before G-d. Noach possessed all four.

The first way to acquire Chein is by way of humility. There is even a verse in Proverbs that says, “To the humble, Hashem will give Chein.”

The humble accept that their knowledge is limited, and they accept their lot in life without questioning.
Similarly, they follow the Torah without questioning as they accept that this is G-d’s will.

The second characteristic in finding favor is to possess יראת שמים, fear of Heaven. Some explain this in the reverse. It is not possible to have Chein without fear of Heaven. This is a given, that one must have a certain awe of the Al-mighty.

He must also have the quality of תמימות, translated as innocence. He is not complicated or calculating. He acts in a manner that is simple and unimposing. He doesn’t force his will on others.

And the fourth trait requires diligence in Torah study. This must be a priority in every person’s life. How can someone get close to Hashem and find “favor in His eyes,” without diligently studying the great gift that G-d gave to His people.

Noach was humble and innocent in the way that he served his Creator. He displayed Yirat Shamayim in following the directives to build the Ark.

Rav Asher Weiss said that he studied Torah because he knew which animals were kosher and fit for a sacrifice. He also influenced his son, Shem, to open a house of study.

It is a great compliment to say that a person possesses a lot of Chein. That person has a charming and magnetic personality, and people are drawn to him. The Talmud in Masechet Megilla said that Vashti and Esther were tied for the fourth most beautiful woman in the Bible. Esther may have had an edge because of her Chein.

It is certainly a good idea to work on acquiring these traits. One will be able to find favor in G-d and in man.