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Drash for Shabbat Noach By Heather McLaughlin - October 27, 2006 "Noah was a righteous man; he was blameless in his age." I, and many others have struggled with the meaning of these words. This has been much debated and there are a multitude of answers. However, tonight I want to look at a perhaps different view of this story. I see Noah's character as an allegory for all humanity, because he represents that unfortunate part of all of us that wants to do what is easy, not what is right. Noah is told by God that the earth will be destroyed, due to humanity's wickedness, and to build the ark and to take his family and specified quantities of each animal onto the ark for the duration of the flood. Comparing this text to others in the Tanakh, I have come to understand that these revelations are calls to action to those given the call and by extension us, to do more than just God asks, including question, argue, and do what needs to be done to prevent the destruction, save the people, etc. God wants people to follow the path of righteousness, but human leaders must show the way. Noah takes the easy way out. He never becomes a leader. The text never says he goes out asks the people to repent so the world might be saved or that he argues with God, or questions God's decision asking that why innocent animals and plants must die. He never asks God if the human race might be spared for those few people who might be righteous. He does what he is told, no more no less. He chooses not to concern himself with what is happening in his community and take action there, or question or argue with God about God's decision and plan of action. Many times we are like Noah. For example upon receiving a solicitation for donations from the local child abuse prevention center, we write a check, but don't call to see how we can volunteer or better yet, refer the abusive parent who lives next door. Many times we choose not to notice problems in our communities and take action. We rationalize it by saying it's not our business, we don't have enough evidence, or someone else will take care of it. How often has something tragic happened, such as a flood, fire, terrorist attack, shooting spree, murder, or case of child abuse, and it turns out that it might not have happened or not been as destructive if we as individuals and/or as a community had gotten involved and done something about it earlier. We must commit to doing what is right and not what is easy, and teach our children to do the same. This just might be what it means to be righteous for all generations, not just our own. Shabbat Shalom.
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