Parashah of the week: Noach

Before Noah’s story begins, we are told he was 500 when his sons were born. We learn that he was 600 at the time of the flood, and 950 when he died. In a single parashah, 20 generations have passed, more than 1,500 years. Against this vast span of time, we encounter an apocalyptic vision of human wickedness, wiped away in its entirety. According to the Sforno (15th-century commentator), the flood engulfed the whole planet, submerging it for over a year.

This vast scale of dizzying proportions is hard to grasp. But since October 7, we have come to realise that years can feel like centuries. The devastation and heartache brought by Hamas remains beyond comprehension, and the language is startlingly direct: the Torah tells us the earth was corrupt and hamas filled it, which Rashi explains as violent robbery.

It is in this context that we learn about the actions of Noah, the sole individual to find favour in God’s eyes and to merit salvation. Even though, Noah could have done so much more to take responsibility for, or even to comfort others, he was able to demonstrate that due to his ability to avoid the evil in the world at the time, he should be saved.

As to Noah’s actions, the late Rabbi Sacks commented, “building the ark is an act of trusting God’s word in the face of ridicule, doubt, and uncertainty about what lies ahead.”