Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Noah wait seven more days before sending the dove again?
A: According to Rashi, Noah waited seven days between sending the dove to see if the floodwaters had receded because he wanted to give enough time to observe changes in the environment. This teaches us patience and the importance of proper timing in decision-making.
Q: What is the significance of the dove in this verse?
A: The dove symbolizes peace and hope in Jewish tradition. The Midrash explains that Noah chose a dove because it is a gentle creature, representing the hope for a new beginning after the flood. The dove's return with an olive leaf later showed that the earth was becoming habitable again.
Q: How does this verse teach us about trust in Hashem?
A: The Rambam teaches that Noah's actions demonstrate both faith and human responsibility. While Noah trusted in Hashem's promise, he also took practical steps (like sending the dove) to assess the situation. This balance of faith and action is a key lesson in Jewish thought.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'another seven days'?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) notes that the repetition of seven-day periods (this was the second waiting period) shows the orderly process of nature's restoration after the flood. The number seven is significant in Judaism, representing completion and the natural order, as seen in the seven days of Creation.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Noah's patience in this verse?
A: The verse teaches us, as the Mishnah in Avot (5:2) explains, that important matters shouldn't be rushed. Noah's methodical approach - waiting, observing, and then acting - serves as a model for how we should approach major decisions in our lives, with careful consideration and proper timing.
The Waiting Period of Seven Days
The verse states: "וַיָּחֶל עוֹד שִׁבְעַת יָמִים אֲחֵרִים" ("And he waited yet another seven days"). Rashi explains that Noach waited seven days between sending the dove the first and second time to assess whether the floodwaters had receded sufficiently for the dove to find dry land (Rashi on Bereishit 8:10). This demonstrates Noach's patience and careful observation of Hashem's timeline for the world's renewal.
Symbolism of the Dove
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 33:6) teaches that the dove represents the Jewish people—just as the dove returned to Noach for refuge, so too do the Jewish people return to Hashem in times of distress. The seven-day interval may also allude to the seven days of creation, symbolizing a new beginning for the world after the flood.
Halachic Significance of Seven Days
Rambam (Hilchos Taaniyos 1:5) notes that seven days is a significant period in Halacha, often associated with cycles of purification or waiting (e.g., the seven days of mourning or the seven clean days for a niddah). Here, the seven days may signify a period of spiritual preparation before the next phase of renewal.
Noach's Emunah (Faith)
The Sforno emphasizes that Noach's willingness to wait another seven days—despite his eagerness to leave the teivah (ark)—shows his complete trust in Hashem's plan. He did not rush the process but followed divine timing with humility.