Noah and the Power of Shabbat

by Rav Yosef Naveh, yeshiva.org.il, translated by Hillel Fendel.

We find that the Holy Zohar says that Noach represents the aspect of Shabbat. What does this mean? Rabbi Avraham Schorr, a prominent rabbi in Brooklyn, NY, explains in his work Lekach V'haLibuv how we can utilize the Shabbat-Noach connection to strengthen our service of G-d. 

We know that the Torah tells us, in the verse just prior to this week's Torah portion of Noach (B'reshit 6,9 – 11,32), that "Noach found favor - Hebrew: ḥen - in G-d's eyes." The same word, ḥen, is also used in the Sefer Yetzirah regarding the Shabbat.

It is taught by the righteous that just as Noach was saved from the "evil waters" of the flood by the Ark, so too, in our generation we can be saved from the flood of heresy and deception by the Ark of the Shabbat. That is, a person must sanctify and exalt the Sabbath, and recognize that it is his lifeline and anchor amidst all the challenges and tests that he faces throughout the week. 

The holy Sabbath gives every Jewish man and woman the ability and strength to overcome the various trials he faces; to install G-d as King over himself at every moment; and to serve Him in every place and every time. And thus he will find favor, ḥen, in the eyes of his Father in Heaven, as he remains in his ark, untouched by the evil waters.

The Hebrew word for "flood" is mabul, from the same root as bilbul, "confusion." Sadly, we are witness to a flood of foreign and false ideas that are introduced into our consciousness from every angle. The winds of confusion and blurring of the differences between truth and lies, between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations – blow with great strength. The danger is ever-present that a person will drown in untruths and will thus lose his share in the Eternal World. 

We are well-advised, then, to totally enter the Ark of the Sabbath, and to utilize this holy day to rest our soul, and calm and cleanse our mind.

The special quality of the Sabbath will have its effect upon whomever observes its laws in a spirit of connection and love and awe of G-d. This will help grant him protection from the "evil inclination" throughout the days following the Sabbath. 

Noach and his family were told to "come into the Ark" (7,1) – and we too must enter, during the week, the atmosphere of the Ark that we built on the Sabbath day. We must remember during the week the light of the Sabbath, in order to bring upon us vitality, renewal, and connection to the potion of life. 

During the week, we are faced with the danger of falling into the "flood" of heresy and physical lusts – and this is why we must take with us during those weekdays the light and holiness of the Sabbath, and remember the Divine ideal to which we belong and for what purpose we have been placed in this world. 

What is the significance of ḥen, favor or grace? 

Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Charlop (d. 1951), a close student and colleague of Rav Kook, explained in his work Mei Marom (on prayer) the difference between external beauty, known as yofi, and inward beauty, known as ḥen. 

On the holy Sabbath, the splendor and beauty of Creation – i.e., the Nation of Israel – is revealed, in accordance with one of the Medrashic interpretations of the first verse of the Torah: 

"B'reishit bara Elokim" – For the sake of the reishit, the beginning - namely, Israel - G-d created the world. (Vayikra Rabba 36,4)

We, Israel, are unique in our understanding that there is a deep purpose and meaning for all of creation even in our physical pursuits. We note how everything in the world has an inner and hidden intention, through which we can serve G-d and fulfill His will.

This is the special ḥen that Israel has, but which the nations of the world do not – because the nations either separate themselves totally from everything material, or they go to the other extreme and sink themselves totally into the physical pleasures of This World. 

Only we, the Nation of Israel, have the special ability to find the right balance between materialism and spirituality – and this is our glory that gives us the front-running role among all the other peoples: We serve G-d in every aspect of life. As is written: "Know G-d in all your ways" (Proverbs 3,6).

The Sages (Tanna D'vei Eliyahu Rabba) teaches that we must "make the Sabbath entirely of Torah." Perhaps this means that one should study Torah the entire Sabbath day – but it can also be explained to mean that the power of the Sabbath is that it can enable man to sanctify even that which is physical; all of his deeds, both physical and spiritual, will be of Torah. 

And therefore we are bidden to enjoy the holy Sabbath day physically as well, such as with plentiful food and drink – for everything is uplifted in sanctity on this day. As we recite in our blessings, "Everything was created for His honor."