D’var Torah by Rabbi Kasriel Gewirtzman
The Torah records that upon returning to dry land after the Flood, Noach planted a
vine. In its description of this episode, the Torah describes him as ‘Ish ha’adamah’ – the
man of the ground. Earlier in the Torah, Noach was called ‘Ish tzaddik’ (a righteous
man). The new description of Ish Adamah represents a lowering of his status. The
Midrash asserts that Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses) was greater than Noach. Moshe is
initially called Ish Mitzri (Egyptian man) but is later described as Ish Ha’Elokim (man of
G-d). Moshe rose in his status.
The Meshech Chachma (Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk 1843–1926) offers a fascinating
explanation of this Midrash, noting a fundamental difference between Noach and
Moshe. He points out that there are two general ways to serve God: focusing on
oneself or focusing on others. One way is to focus on one’s own personal spiritual
pursuits and relationship with G-d, while the other is to be involved in the needs of the
community and to sacrifice one’s own spiritual needs for the sake of others. Noach
concentrated on his own Spirituality and did not pray for or rebuke all the people who
were sinning. Moshe on the other hand was totally concerned about the Jewish people,
putting his life on the line. Noach descends in his level and Moshe rises to the greatest
heights.
Why is it that one who focuses only on his own service of Hashem goes down in his
standing, and one who works for the community goes up. On a metaphysical level, the
reason seems to be that the Jewish people are one spiritual entity. Therefore a person
cannot isolate himself in his service while ignoring everyone else. Accordingly, one who
tries to do this is not fulfilling his role as part of the Jewish people, and his spiritual
standing deteriorates. In contrast, one who works for others does fulfill this role and
raises his level.
This can also be explained on a common-sense level. The nature of man is to be social,
to be involved with other people. The Torah directs man that the ideal way to do this is
by helping his fellow physically and spiritually. When a person solely focuses on
himself, he is at risk of becoming selfish in his attitude and this will also negatively
affect his relationship with G-d.
In contrast, focusing on others can help a person grow more in his own relationship to
G-d. The Gemara states: “Rebbi says, ‘I learned a great deal of Torah from my teachers,
more from my friends, and the most from my students.” Of course, I have seen that in
my own life. The experience of teaching classes, answering questions, and engaging in
Torah learning with the wonderful young professionals in Ottawa have allowed me to
gain significant new levels of Torah learning. As my rebbe, Rav Yitzchak Berkovits adds,
as well as improving one’s learning, giving to others can help a person renew his own
motivation and excitement in spiritual matters. This is not limited to teachers of Torah
but includes anyone who is giving of themselves on behalf of the community.
I would like to thank Rabbi Yonason Gefen, from whom I have heard many of these
ideas.
Shabbat Shalom
The JET Staff
