Parshat Noach 5780
Rabbi Jablinowitz
We read in the first pasuk in this week's parsha, Eileh Toldos Noach, Noach Ish Tzadik Tamim Hayah B'Dorosav, es Ha'Elokim Hishalech Noach. Rashi comments on the last words, Hashem walked with Noach, Noach needed to be supported by Hashem. Avraham Avinu, however, was more independent, and the Torah says about Avraham (Chapter 24, Pasuk 40), Asher Hishalachti Lefanav; Avraham walked in front of Hashem. What is the significance of this distinction the Torah makes between Noach who walked with Hashem and needed His support, and Avraham who was more independent and seemingly walked in front of Hashem?
The Sfas Emes explains that Rashi is teaching us that Noach and Avraham represent two different models of Tzadikim. The first type of Tzadik, as represented by Noach, requires Siyata Dishmaya. The typical and natural situation is that one needs help from Hashem in order to thrive in the world. This was Noach; Es Ha'Elokim Hishalech Noach, Noach received assistance from Hashem in his journey in the world.
The Avos represented a higher level. Avraham was a Chasid; he operated on the level of Lifnim Me'Shuras Ha'Din, beyond the letter of the law. His efforts of doing more than expected enabled him to function above the typical and the natural; Le'ma'alah min Ha'Teva. His level of devotion and Mesiras Nefesh to Hashem provided him in return with an unusual level of independence. This is what is meant by Avraham walking in front of Hashem; Asher Hishalachti Lefanav. He impacted on the world even without assistance from Hashem.
The Tikunei Zohar states, Noach Da Shabbos. Noach is Shabbos since his name represents the notion of resting, as the pasuk says (Shmos, Chapter 20, Pasuk 11), Vayanach Bayom Ha'Shvi'i. But how are we to understand the deeper connection between Noach and Shabbos?
Shabbos is Kevi'a V'Kayma; it automatically happens every seventh day. It doesn't need any proclamation by Beis Din to determine its date. And Shabbos is a day that we get to connect to Hashem, the source of all creation, and benefit from an additional dose of Kedushah, the Neshamah Yeseirah. It is a unique opportunity of Siyata Dishmaya, help and assistance from Hashem.
This is how Noach Da Shabbos. As we explained, Noach was a Tzadik who walked with the assistance of Hashem; he had Siyata Dishmaya. And Shabbos is that special day when we experience the highest level of assistance from Hashem. And Chazal learn from the words Eileh Toldos Noach, Noach Ish Tzadik, Ikar Toldoseihem shel Tzadikim Ma'asim Tovim. The greatest legacy of a Tzadik is his good deeds and accomplishments. The real Toldos of Noach was that he was a Tzadik.
The only way that a person can be productive and creative in this world is by subjugating himself to Hashem and returning to the source. In the most fundamental manner, Chazal teach that Shelosha Shutfim Hein B'Adam; there are three partners to every child born, his mother, father, and Hashem. Similarly, any achievements by a person is achieved by submitting himself to Hashem and realizing that without Siyata Dishmaya he can't accomplish anything. Siyata Dishmaya was the midah of Noach and Shabbos is the day of Siyata Dishmaya. Noach Da Shabbos.
Shabbos is in contradistinction to Yom Tov. While Shabbos is automatic on the seventh day, Yom Tov is based on Beis Din declaring Rosh Chodesh. Only then is the date of Yom Tov determined. The Gemara in Beitzah 17A explains that the bracha of Yom Tov is Mekadesh Yisrael V'Hazmanim. Hashem sanctifies Am Yisrael who in return have the ability to establish Yom Tov and sanctify time.
This is an ability we received from Avraham. If Noach Da Shabbos, then Avraham is Yom Tov. The independence of Avraham walking ahead of Hashem is reflected in the ability of Am Yisrael to sanctify time. Avraham's independence is the expression of taking his Kedushah and extending it beyond himself.
These are the two models reflected in the words of Rashi. Noach was the Tzadik who had Siyata Dishmaya, and it was through his assistance from Hashem that he was able to reach the level of Tzadik. And this is exemplified by the day of Shabbos and its own unique Siyata Dishmaya. But there is also the Chasid, the one who has the independence to act on his own. Through his Mesiras Nefesh he is able to establish new frontiers of Kedushah, and this is best exemplified by the power of Bnei Yisrael to sanctify time and establish the days of the Yomim Tovim.
Good Shabbos
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