Kenneth Cohen

Noach or Avraham

There is a classic question asked about Noach. Why did the Torah have to tell us that he was righteous “in his generation.”
Some interpret this to mean that his righteousness would have shined through regardless of when he lived, But another interpretation states that he would not have been anything special had he lived in a different generation like that of Avraham Avinu. The Prophet Isaiah referred to the flood as מי נח, “the waters of Noach.”
This was an implication that Noach was actually responsible for the flood. Herein, we see the basic difference between Noach and Avraham Avinu.
When it became necessary for Hashem to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gemorra, He needed to explain to Avraham why he had no choice. Despite the fact that there were no righteous people in these cities, Avraham diligently pleaded their case. Perhaps, somehow, even ten righteous people could be found.
We do not see any indication that Noach did anything to try and save the other people of his generation. He was only concerned with saving himself and his family.
A true Tzaddik cares deeply about the Klal, other Jews. He will fervently pray for the welfare of every Jew everywhere.
This is why some sages felt that Noach wasn’t even in the same league with Avraham Avinu. In his generation, he was considered righteous. But he would not have looked that way had he lived in the generation of Avraham Avinu.

About the Author
Rabbi Cohen has been a Torah instructor at Machon Meir, Jerusalem, for over twenty years while also teaching a Talmud class in the Shtieblach of Old Katamon. Before coming to Israel, he was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles. He recently published a series of Hebrew language-learning apps, which are available at www.cafehebrew.com
Sign in or Register
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Or Continue with
By registering you agree to the terms and conditions
Register to continue
Or Continue with
Log in to continue
Sign in or Register
Or Continue with
check your email
Check your email
We sent an email to you at .
It has a link that will sign you in.