The very name ‘No’ach’ translates to ‘comfort’, a hopeful moniker bestowed upon him by his father, Lemech. This wasn’t just a name, but a prophecy. No’ach grew into his name, becoming a beacon of righteousness in his generation. Such was his virtue that the Torah distinctively claims No’ach “found favour in the eyes of God.” This accolade is singular in the biblical narrative, illuminating No’ach’s unique place in the tapestry of our forefathers. The Hebrew word for favour, ‘Chen’, is intriguingly an inversion of the letters in No’ach’s name – a literary nuance also mirrored in the story of King Balak, whose name is reflected in the Hebrew verb ‘Lakov’, meaning ‘to curse’.
No’ach’s description as both ‘tzadik’ (righteous) and ‘tamim’ (sincere) further amplifies his moral stature. The Torah’s assertion that he was righteous “in his generations” has sparked profound interpretations. While some argue this emphasizes his ability to inspire righteousness across diverse age groups in his time, others believe it denotes that No’ach’s righteousness was even more commendable given the wickedness that surrounded him. Conversely, there are those who speculate that, when juxtaposed with Abraham’s generation, No’ach’s righteousness might have paled.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, with his profound insights into the human condition and moral philosophy, might have observed this contrast between No’ach and Abraham. No’ach, although righteous, was perhaps more passive, choosing not to intercede for his generation before the flood. Abraham, on the other hand, was proactive in his righteousness, journeying through lands, preaching monotheism, and even challenging God’s decision on Sodom.
Drawing from Rashi, there are timeless moral principles embedded in the Torah’s portrayal of No’ach:
Praise in Discourse: When discussing someone, we ought to speak well of them, reflecting their true character.
Legacy of Righteousness: The word ‘toldot’, which refers to one’s impact, underscores that our true legacy is measured by our righteousness and sincerity.
Measured Adulation: While No’ach was described as both ‘righteous’ and ‘perfect’, God, when addressing him directly, chose only to reference his righteousness. This illuminates the virtue of modest praise. Praising someone in excess, especially publicly, might foster arrogance, whereas genuine and measured compliments can inspire and foster camaraderie.
Yet, the act of praising demands discernment. Rabbi Eliezer Pappu in his work, ‘Pele Yoetz’, astutely noted that the need for praise varies between individuals. For instance, a child requires more affirmation than a self-assured adult. We must also be wary of singing praises in the company of detractors, lest we incite them to engage in the grievous sin of ‘Lashon Hara’ or gossip.
But the most enduring aspect of No’ach’s life remains his unyielding faith in God. In a world awash with moral decay, No’ach’s faith was his anchor. He didn’t just believe in God, he walked with Him. Through the building of the ark, amidst the ridicule of his generation, and the relentless deluge that followed, No’ach’s faith never wavered. In an era of darkness, his faith was the beacon that ensured the continuity of humanity.
In sum, the story of No’ach serves as a lesson in righteousness, the power of faith, and the intricacies of human interaction. Through the prism of his life, we learn the profound impact of faith in the divine and in one’s own moral compass.