In Parashat Noach, G-d flooded the Earth in order to cleanse it of humanity's corruption and lawlessness. However, G-d chose to spare Noah and his family–the only righteous people amidst the disorderly society. He instructed Noah and his sons to build an ark that would withstand the immense floodwaters. The ark took numerous years to build, and once it was finished, G-d brought pairs of every animal on board so that they would not perish. The waters rose above the highest mountains, and all life perished during the flood. Noah and his family remained on the ark for a year, until the waters receded and it came to a stop on a mountain.

The decision to send the flood may appear harsh, and it raises the question: how could G-d destroy His own creation? The reason for this is that G-d had no other option. Humanity had become so corrupt that G-d regretted creating mankind, and life on earth had become torturous–there was no point in letting injustice continue. G-d saw no option but to erase all the living creatures he had created—but he chose to save Noah and his family, even if they were the only righteous people. 

G-d could have abandoned humanity entirely, and He would not have had to witness the violence any longer. Instead, G-d patiently waited for Noah to build the ark, giving a chance for the unrighteous to repent. It is estimated that building the ark took roughly a hundred years, which raises another question: if G-d could do anything, why wouldn’t He send them an ark to reduce the time wasted? The answer is because of G-d’s mercy– if the unrighteous saw the ark while it was being built, they would ask Noah why he was building an ark; hopefully leading them to repent.. G-d's punishment was severe, but He didn’t execute the flood without warning and without patiently waiting for people to repent. G-d only saved Noah and his family, the ones who were willing to listen and act. 

The story ends with the covenant that G-d made with humanity. G-d set a rainbow in the sky, promising that he would never destroy all life again. Noah teaches us that while G-d doesn’t ignore injustice, He offers people a chance to repent and become better. The story also teaches us that while faith is believing in what you cannot see, it also requires taking action. This serves as a reminder to act upon faith in the situations in our lives where things are uncertain.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom

Written by Ayla, Grade 10