In Parshat Noach, we encounter a world consumed by “chamas” – a society overcome by violence and corruption, where people exploited and harmed each other without remorse. The situation had become so dire that Hashem brought the mabul, a flood intended to cleanse the earth and give humanity a fresh start.
This drastic measure wasn’t due to Hashem’s indifference to the innocent; rather, it was a necessary response in a world where evil had become deeply embedded. When there was no way to uproot the “chamas” – the rampant corruption and cruelty – without dismantling the very society built upon it, the flood emerged as the only way to preserve future goodness.
Today, as Israel still responds to the horrendous attacks ongoing since October 7th, the Arab world has named the subsequent events “Tufan Al Aqsa” – the Al Aqsa Flood1, capturing their intense grief and attachment to the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. IDF soldiers entering Gaza have noted that nearly every household displays an image of this revered mosque.
In these events, we can’t help but hear echoes of the ancient story of Noach. Just as Noach faced a world engulfed in unchecked violence, we are witnessing waves of hostility and aggression that cast a dark shadow over humanity. Parshat Noach reminds us that, although peace is our ideal, there are moments when self-defense becomes necessary, especially when our extended hand for peace is repeatedly met with violence.
The Torah teaches us that Hashem’s goal is never for all to suffer because of the wicked; rather, it recognizes the tragic reality that, in eradicating deep-seated evil, even innocent lives may be affected. Hashem’s approach in Noach’s time was not solely about destruction but also about preserving those who remained righteous. The ark symbolized a sanctuary for those who aligned themselves with Hashem’s values – a refuge within the storm.
This story calls on us to seek peace yet protect ourselves when necessary. Hashem’s covenant after the flood – his promise never to destroy the earth in such a way again – reminds us that our purpose is to build a world of righteousness, striving for peace while safeguarding goodness. And like Noach, we must recognize that true peace sometimes demands standing firm against those who threaten it.
From this recent “flood,” we can also learn that we must know not only what we are fighting for, but also what we are living for. We live – and we fight – for peace, for the prosperity of all. We extend a hand of peace and spirituality to all nations, envisioning the future Third Temple as a “house of prayer for all people.” In contrast to the violence in the name of their Mosque, every Jewish home should hold images of the Third Temple – a symbol of hope, unity, and future peace. May Hashem’s rainbow, the symbol of hope and renewal, soon shine brightly over a world united in peace and guided by divine purpose.
- Take a look at the similarity between the Unkelus aramaic translation of “mabul” to “tufna” ↩︎
