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Torah Studies — Studies-Noach-imp 5784

Выпуск: Torah Studies — Studies-Noach-imp 5784. Темы: parsha_commentary. Поисковые термины: недельная глава, парша, parsha, פרשה, פרשת השבוע. G-d said: 'Let them be cast aside, and [in their place] shall come those who originally dwelled there.' Thus the verse states:2 'The rain was upon the earth for 40 days and 40 nights.' " According to the Midrash, the state of the world at the time of the Flood resembled the beginning of creation, when the world was "entirely composed of water."3 This was truly an exalted state, a condition in which the entire world praised G-d, as His praises emanated "solely from the waters." How does the explanation of the Midrash dovetail with the simple text, which states that the purpose of the Flood was "to destroy all flesh"?4 1 Bereishis Rabbah 5:1. Thus, although Torah is always to be understood in its simple context7 as it is studied in this physical world, we should not forget that each letter also contains a deeper spiritual context, as it is studied and understood in the higher spiritual realms - realms that are far removed from physicality. 4 Noach Torah preceded the world, these stories must perforce embrace a spiritual element consonant with the higher realms.8 Moreover, since "evil does not dwell with Him,"9 we must conclude that even those aspects of Torah which in the simple sense seem untoward (misdeeds, punishments, etc.), are understood in the higher realms - where evil does not exist - as manifestations of complete goodness and holiness.10 In light of the above, we can understand the following Chassidic tale: The Alter Rebbe used to serve as Torah Reader. 6 Noach "B E F R U I T F U L A N D M U L T I P L Y " The Rambam writes:1 "Although a person may have already fulfilled the commandment to 'be fruitful and multiply,' he is commanded by the Sages not to neglect being fruitful and multiplying as long as he has the strength. For whoever adds a Jewish soul is considered as if he had built an entire world." "Be fruitful and multiply" is mentioned in the Torah portion of Bereishis, as well as in the portion of Noach.2 In the simple context of the verses,3 the expression in Bereishis is a blessing, while "be fruitful and multiply" in Noach is a command. However, there is another reason why the source for the Rambam's statement that "whoever adds a Jewish soul is considered as if he had built an entire world" is derived

Издание

Torah Studies

Дата

20 октября 2023 г.

Страниц

12

Темы: parsha_commentary