Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Hashem destroy all living creatures in the flood?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a), the flood was a divine punishment because the world had become filled with corruption, theft, and immorality. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 31:1) explains that even the animals were affected by this corruption, as they mingled with species not their own.
Q: Why was Noach and his family saved from the flood?
A: The Torah (Genesis 6:9) describes Noach as a righteous man in his generation. Rashi explains that while Noach wasn't perfect, he maintained his righteousness despite the corruption around him. Rambam (Hilchos Dei'os 6:1) teaches that Noach's righteousness included both belief in Hashem and ethical behavior, which is why he merited to be saved.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the story of the flood?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) teaches that the flood story reminds us of the importance of moral behavior and following Hashem's commandments. The Midrash (Tanchuma Noach 1) emphasizes that just as the world was destroyed due to corruption, we must strive to build a world based on justice and kindness.
Q: Why were the animals also destroyed in the flood?
A: Rashi (on Genesis 6:12) explains that the animals were included in the punishment because they too participated in the corruption of that generation. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 28:8) states that even the natural order was disrupted, with animals mating outside their species, showing how widespread the corruption had become.
Q: How does the story of the flood relate to us today?
A: The Ramban (Genesis 6:13) teaches that the flood story serves as a eternal reminder of divine justice. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) says it teaches that when society becomes completely corrupt, there are consequences. Today, we learn the importance of maintaining moral standards even when surrounded by corruption, just as Noach did.
The Extent of the Mabul (Flood)
The verse describes the complete destruction brought by the Mabul, emphasizing that all living creatures—human, animal, and bird—were wiped out. Rashi (Bereshit 7:23) notes that the phrase "וַיִּמַח" ("And He destroyed") implies a thorough eradication, as if they were "wiped away like ink." This underscores the severity of the decree due to humanity's corruption (Chamas, as mentioned earlier in the parsha).
Noach's Survival as Divine Mercy
The phrase "וַיִשָּׁאֶר אַךְ־נֹחַ" ("and Noach only remained") highlights that Noach and those with him were the sole survivors. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 30:10) explains that the word "אַךְ" ("only") is restrictive, teaching that Noach was saved only because of his righteousness (as stated in Bereshit 6:9). The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva 3:1) derives from this that even in times of universal punishment, the righteous are spared due to their merits.
The Inclusion of Noach's Companions
The verse specifies that those "אֲשֶׁר אִתּוֹ בַּתֵּבָה" ("with him in the ark") were also saved. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) discusses that this refers not only to Noach's family but also to the animals, which were preserved due to Noach's fulfillment of the divine command. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) explains that the ark symbolizes divine providence—only those under Hashem's direct protection survived.
Lessons from the Mabul