Next Reading
Torah Reading
Genesis 6:9-11:32
Haftarah
Isaiah 54:1-55:5
In this Torah portion, God punishes the wicked in the world by causing a giant flood. God saves Noah and his family, who will repopulate the world. We are also introduced to Abram and his wife, Sarai.
Featured Commentary
The story of the flood is an object lesson in the kinds of crimes that pose existential social threats.
What’s the meaning behind the sign in the sky that God gives Noah?
The story of the Tower of Babel makes a case for a multiplicity of languages and cultures.
The story of the flood provides us with numerous insights into human nature and human relationships.
As the children of Noah, we are challenged to follow his example.
God's covenant with Noah showed him and us the possibility of transforming the human condition of loneliness into the miracle of connection.
How Noah and the Tower of Babel both revolve around the use and misuse of language.
Noah innovated a lifestyle of environmental awareness and action.
Why the rabbis were more positive about the latter biblical figure.
There is no need to ascend to heaven--or build a tower--to find God.
The creation of many languages raises questions about communication today.
The talmudic discussion of Noah's righteousness sheds light on our understanding of leveling the playing field.
When Jews did not have power, our righteousness was synonymous with blamelessness. How do we define righteousness today, in an age in which Jews do possess power?
The importance of protecting biodiversity both for our survival and for our appreciation of God's presence in the world and the order of creation.
Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson
The seven Noahide commandments mediate God's love for all of humanity and God's unique relationship with the Jewish people.
Noah's response to the flood indicates that violence is an ingrained aspect to human nature that must be acknowledged and channeled for good.
While our loved ones are physically gone, they have willed their unfinished dreams to us.
Like an ark, our families provide us with shelter and guide us through life.
When guiding our children, we need to find a balance between extreme measures and more cautious ones.
Isaiah 54:1-55:5 has several layers of metaphors alluding to the great flood.
A flood destroys all living creatures, aside from Noah, his family and the animals in their ark.
