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Volume I, Issue 16
PARSHA INSIGHTS "Noach followed in Hashem's ways" (Noach 6,9). The Sforno explains the meaning of "following in Hashem's ways" in this manner. "Noach went in the ways of Hashem to be kind to others and rebuked the people of his generation." If Noach gave the people mussar for one hundred twenty years, why did it have no effect on them? The answer can be found in the comment of the Sforno on the verse in Bereishis (6,8) which states, "And Noach found favor in the eyes of Hashem." The Sforno states that although Noach did reprimand the people of his generation, he did not teach them about understanding Hashem and following in His ways. This seems contradictory to the words of the Sforno quoted above, which indicate that Noach did rebuke his fellow man. The Sforno is teaching us that even though Noach tried to convince the people to change, he based his words and guidance on logic and "doing the right thing." In order for admonishment to be effective in convincing someone to alter his lifestyle, it must be shown that the way of life being proffered is proper because it is the derech Hashem. Even when one's mind comprehends "the correct way of life," if it is not divinely inspired, the influence tends to wane and not have the desired effect.
"Then Hashem said to Noach, 'Come to the ark, you and your household, for it is you that I have seen to be righteous before Me in this generation' " (Noach 7,1). Even though Hashem specifically commanded Noach to go into the ark with his family before the rains actually came, Noach did not enter the ark until the water left him no choice but to seek refuge in the ark. "Noach, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood" (Noach 7,7). It is for this reason that Rashi states, "Noach too, was one of those with little faith; he believed, yet he did not believe (fully) that the flood would come, and he did not enter the Ark until the waters compelled him to" (Rashi 7,7). How did Noach descend from being a man who "did everything that Hashem commanded him" to being included in "one of those with little faith?" Rav Yosef of Salant zt"l in his sefer, Be'er Yosef, explains that Noach understood well that Hashem was merciful and compassionate and would not wish to deal harshly with people. This concept is found in Rashi (Bereishis 6,3) who relates that Hashem gave the people of that generation one hundred twenty years to change their ways. Even when they did not choose the option of repentance, Hashem granted them once again an additional seven days to mend their ways. Based on Noach's knowledge of Hashem's merciful ways, he had every reason to believe that the flood may not happen. First of all, the possibility existed that the people would repent from their evil behavior before Hashem brought the rains upon them. Secondly, it was possible as well that Hashem would exercise great kindness and compassion and decide not to bring the flood upon the earth. With this in mind, it is even more difficult to comprehend why Noach's actions classify him as one of "little faith." Even when the rain first fell, Noach had every right to assume that Hashem forgave the people and the rain was not one of a destructive nature, rather a sign of blessing. However, Noach's lack of faith must be understood in his not following through on Hashem's command. Hashem had ordered Noach to go into the ark, days before the rain began falling. Even though it was possible that Hashem would retract His sentence, Noach should not have made any independent decisions contrary to Hashem's orders. This is the same "mistake" that Moshe made when he hit the rock instead of speaking to it. Though Moshe had good reason to strike the rock, this action did not conform to Hashem's command. This is why Hashem said to Moshe "Because you did not believe in Me" (Chukas 20,12). In stating that Noach "believed, yet he did not believe," Rashi means that Noach believed that Hashem was compassionate and merciful and because of this did not believe fully that Hashem would actually bring the flood. As a result, Noach failed to carry out Hashem's exact command and therefore is termed as one of "little faith."
FROM THE BOOKSHELF (Thousands of seforim fill the shelves of a Beis Medrash. This section is devoted to highlighting seforim and their authors, so that every Jew can derive everlasting pleasure and benefit from the great Torah wisdom contained within them.) "The Kehati Mishnayos" Throughout the centuries many commentaries on the Mishna have been produced with the Gemara being the central source for their explanation. Many of these commentaries, however, are only accessible to the Torah scholar. Reb Pinchas Kehati z"l authored a commentary on the Mishna which makes its comprehension attainable to the layman as well. Although he held no Rabbinical position, his work on the Mishna has become an authoritative work for scholars and novices alike. Though his commentary allows one to quickly access the simple explanation of the Mishna, Reb Pinchas Kehati himself stated that his work should not be the only reference consulted. Many a time he was heard to say that his commentary was not intended as a substitute for the study of other prominent commentaries, such as the Rav Bartneura or Tosfos Yomtov.
TABLE TALK THE DILEMMA Moshe went to a clothing store to buy a new Shabbos shirt. While browsing, he noticed a very expensive shirt, which was marked for ten dollars. In fact, he found a pile of similar shirts, also marked for ten dollars. There was no indication, however, of a "markdown" or "sale" in the shirt department. Moshe asked the sales person, "Is there any problem with these shirts?" The sales person answered, "No." Immediately Boruch purchased five of these shirts. If Moshe suspects that these shirts were mismarked, must he ask a store employee if the shirts are properly priced before he purchases them at this low price? If the Rav says that Moshe does not have to check the price, what would be the halacha if there is only one of these shirts in the store? Is there a difference if the owner is a Jew or not? (Consult your Rav for a proper halachic ruling)
WHO AM I? 1. I caused the death of a son. (Please send us your answer by e-mail to gkrainess@adelphia.net. The answer will appear in next week's issue) Last week's clues and answer: My father was a letter; I was saved by a little one; I traveled to the other side; I held a "son" but never had one - Yehoshua Bin Nun Congratulations to Shimon Berkovic, Shmuel Brown, The Hefter Brothers, Tovie Hoffman, Ben Tziyon Krainess and Mr. Harvey Schabes
CAN YOU SAY THAT? Reuven knows that Levi wants to become a business partner with Shimon. However, Reuven thinks that Shimon will suffer a loss because of this partnership. Is it permissible for Reuven to tell Shimon his evaluation in regard to the possibility of a business association with Levi? Answer: Reuven is obligated to warn Shimon, as long as the following conditions are met:
1) Reuven must not rush to judgment. He must take time and carefully decide if the partnership would indeed be damaging to Shimon. (Apples of Gold citing Sefer Chofetz Chaim - Hilchos Rechilus)
TORAH RIDDLE When is it permissible to wear a garment, which includes shatnez (besides tzitzis)? (The answer will appear in next week's issue) Last week's question and answer: Which person in the history of the world murdered 25% of the world's population? Kayin
THE KOLLEL FAMILY MAZEL TOV -Rabbi and Mrs. Nochum Levitansky on the engagement of
their daughter COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Although most evening chavrusos at the Cedar-Green Community Kollel reconvened Sunday evening October 14, the official full program at the Kollel commenced Wednesday night, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, October 17 at 8:00 p.m. (Please inform us if you wish to have a happy or solemn occasion or a community or personal event posted on the Community Bulletin Board - Thank you.) To sponsor an issue of Oneg Shabbos, please contact Leib Chaim Krainess, Director of
Kollel Development at (216) 559-0638 or gkrainess@adelphia.net. THIS WEEK'S ONEG SHABBOS IS SPONSORED BY
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