Generation to Generation - Noach 5785

The opening verse of the Parsha of Noach says  “The following are the descendants of Noach. Noach was a righteous man; faultless in his generations. Noach walked with Hashem.”    Wait a second. I thought you were telling me about Noach’s descendants. You don’t expect the Torah to shift in the middle of a sentence. Only in the next verse, after the interruption, does it state: “Noach was the father of three sons: Shem, Cham, and Yaphet.”

Rashi comments on this. “‘The following are the descendants of Noach – Noach was a righteous man’ - Since the verse mentions him, it relates his praise, in accordance with what is written: ‘The mention of a right­eous person is for blessing.’  Another explanation why his descendants are not immediately mentioned: It teaches you that the main progeny of righteous people is their good deeds.”

In 1984, the Rebbe commented that this teaches a very important lesson for children’s education. 

A preface: While Rashi’s commentary is based on the deepest Talmudic, Midrashic and Kabbalistic explanations, he writes in a way that can be understood on a simple level. This is part of what makes Rashi so unique and his commentary so compelling. The Talmud says that at age five we study the written Torah. So it follows that Rashi’s “simple meaning” of the verse, is directed also to a young five year old and to his parents.

When we mention a righteous person, it is very important to mention and praise their deeds. Our children need to grow up with excitement and a reverence for their ancestors and for their righteous actions.  

In addition, (incorporating Rashi’s second explanation,) it is important to remember that their righteousness needs to carry forward to future generations, and that is their true progeny.  Noach was “faultless in his generations” - his good deeds changed the world forever, and that is his real progeny.

How often do I hear people say “my grandfather was a Rabbi” or “I am descended from a great sage.”  Well, what does that mean to you?  You are very proud of that heritage, as you should be, but what exactly is that heritage?

Now imagine if a person was raised with: ”Your grandfather was a great scholar and he exemplified the following qualities and Torah values.  That would have a much deeper impact on the child than just “you had a prominent grandfather, and give them a greater incentive to follow in their ancestor’s footsteps. 

Then as with Noach, the Tzaddik’s impact will carry through for all future generations. And maybe your grandchild will be able to proudly say: “My grandparent was a Tzaddik, and this is what I learned from him or her.” Then he will be motivated to emulate them.