Why Was Chanoch Taken Early

Upon giving the chronology of the generations that followed Adam, the Torah informs us about an unusual individual named Chanoch. He died at the age of 365. This was considered young for those generations.

We learn that he was the father of Metushelach, who lived to be 969 years old, the oldest man who ever lived.

We also learn that Chanoch was taken before his time because he “walked with G-d, and was, therefore, taken by G-d.”

The commentators, such as the Chatam Sofer, explained that Chanoch distanced himself from others, so that he would not be influenced by their evil ways. Had he not secluded himself, he may have lived longer.

It says in Pirkei Avot, that if one wishes to find merits in the masses, he will not come to sin. Chanoch should have used his righteousness to help others. Because he did not do this, there was no point in leaving him in this world.

Our Rabbis have taught that it is our duty to share the Torah that we have acquired. We must not assume that we are incapable of influencing others. Our sincere intentions to help others, goes much further than we realize.

This is an important message for the coming year. We must not be like Chanoch, and worry about our own righteousness. We must study Torah diligently, with the intention of teaching it to others.

This is particularly true today after enduring two difficult years. There is a fulfillment of the prophecy that a time will come when there will be a famine in the land. It will not be a thirsting for water, or the eating of bread. It will be a famine, where there is a hunger and thirst to hear the word of Hashem. That time is now!