Parashat Noach
24th October 2025
Week of 19 – 25 October 2025
Torah portion : Genesis 6 :9-11 :32 ; Haftarah : Isaiah 54 :1-10
Theme: Covenant and Conversation:
a powerful connection that inspires growth and understanding.
In the Torah portion known as Noach (Noah / נה), we encounter a profound narrative centered around renewal and divine promise. This section begins with God’s decision to cleanse the earth of its corruption through a flood. Responding to God’s command, the righteous Noah takes on the monumental task of building an ark. This ark not only preserves his family but also safeguards a selection of animals, ensuring the continuation of life.
After the flood, Noah’s descendants multiply, giving rise to future generations. The portion also introduces the story of the Tower of Babel, where humanity’s ambition leads to a divine intervention that confounds their speech, resulting in their scattering across the earth.
Central to this narrative is God’s covenant (b’rit) with Noah, marking a significant turning point in the relationship between the Creator and creation. This portion, which spans Cf. Genesis 6:9–11:32 ETZ HAYIM p 33-34; 58-64, emphasizes the themes of judgment, preservation, and hope. Notably, it is in Parashat Noach that the concept of b’rit is introduced in the Torah, highlighting the promise of renewal and the importance of faithfulness to God’s will. From Adam and Eve to Noah, we can observe a recurring theme in humanity’s relationship with the Divine (Kimelman). Adam and Eve received guidance not to eat from a specific tree in the garden, but they chose to disobey. This pattern continued with their son Cain, who, embodying a misguided sense of morality, took the drastic step of eliminating his brother Abel when his offering was favored. If you are familiar with the story, you know that Lamech was one hundred eighty-two years old when he became the father of a son named Noah. Noah is celebrated as “a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God” (cf. Gen. 5:28, 6:9). The sound of the Hebrew word נה “Noah” resonates with the word yenahamenu, meaning “he will bring us relief.” This not only refers to the curse placed on the soil due to human disobedience (3:17-19) but also highlights Noah’s remarkable success in agriculture, particularly in cultivating grapes for wine (9:20-21). Noah exemplifies the power of dedication to redemptive efforts, reminding us that we can rise above the challenges of existence.
“he will bring us relief.”
While others were primarily focused on survival through hard labor, Noah was given the profound mission of saving humanity and the natural world from impending destruction. This redemptive narrative resonates with the story of the Nephilim, which represents humanity’s yearning to blend with the divine as a last resort in the pursuit of greatness. A powerful lesson emerges from these stories: as beings created in the “image and likeness” of God, we face the temptation to elevate ourselves to the role of the Creator. This longing can contribute significantly to the environmental challenges we experience today. We must recognize that, as humans, we possess the responsibility to care for our creation and each other. Understanding our position as creatures of the Creator can help us foster a more harmonious relationship with our environment. The ongoing dialogue about supplanting the Divine and maintaining the cosmic order is relevant now more than ever. It can be strengthened through thoughtful advancements in science and technology when guided by ethical principles.
Isaiah 54:1-10 -cf. ETZ HAYIM p 64 & 1137 is a powerful passage that conveys hope and comfort through the metaphor of a formerly barren and widowed woman, symbolizing the restoration of Israel. The Lord encourages this woman to rejoice because she will be blessed with many children and will extend her influence to many nations. This passage reassures her that the shame of her past will be erased, as God, her Maker and Redeemer, has taken on the role of her husband. His everlasting kindness and covenant of peace will always be with her.
In this haftarah, Isaiah reflects on God’s unwavering faithfulness to promises of love, peace, and forgiveness, saying, “This is like the days of Noah to Me…” (Cf. Isaiah 54:9). This reminds us that if the Earth were to face destruction, it would be a consequence of our own actions rather than God’s doing. Isaiah’s message inspires us to remain hopeful during hardships, understanding that our suffering is temporary, not permanent. Even when we feel abandoned or rejected by God, we must remember that He is still actively working in our lives.
Ultimately, God speaks of the potential to transform our failures into successes. Regardless of past mistakes, God can guide you toward a successful future. He is always ready to work with you, no matter your circumstances, shaping you into something beautiful and worthy of praise. Embrace this opportunity for growth and renewal, knowing that with faith, you can rise above any challenge. The Haftarah beautifully connects with the Parashah through their shared reference to the Flood in the days of Noah, a poignant symbol of divine wrath. In ancient times, God established a “Covenant” (b’rit) with Noah and his descendants (Cf. Genesis 9:9, 11, 15), a promise that He would never again (lo od) bring destruction upon the earth and its inhabitants (Cf. Genesis 9:11, 15).
This profound connection inspires hope as God offers the nation (Cf. Isaiah 54:10, 55:1) a renewed “covenant” (b’rit), ensuring that their shame will “not again” (lo od) be remembered (Cf. Isaiah 54:4). Parashat Noach opens with the remarkable declaration that Noah was “a righteous man in his days.” Despite the mysterious nature of this description, God, in His mercy, chose to warn Noah of the impending destruction. He instructed Noah to build an ark to preserve his family and the animals. Maimonides insightfully highlights a scriptural source for the obligation of giving charity (tz’dakah) in Cf. Isaiah 54:14, emphasizing the crucial role of personal piety in nurturing a vibrant communal religious life.
For Reflection and Discussion:
1.) Do you wonder whether, in our pursuit of reaching our full potential, we may risk overshadowing the divine aspects of our existence? It’s a complex challenge we face. How can we honor our quest for personal growth while also being mindful of the limitations of our precious Earth? Your thoughts on this are important.
Bibliography: ETZ HAYIM, Torah and Commentary: The Rabbinical Assembly, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, 1999; The Catholic Study Bible 3rd Edition; The New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition; The Catholic Prayer Bible;)www.sefaria.org.il;)www.chabad.org) /; Reuven Kimelman, The Moral Meaning of the Bible-The What, How, and Why of Biblical Ethics, vol. 2 (Our Learning Company, 2007, Audio Book); https://www.amazon.com/Moral-Meaning-Bible
This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Jerusalem-Israel, Bat Kol Secretary
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