Nachmanides in the 13th century wrote about how if God had made the rainbow with its ends in the air, it would resemble a giant archery bow looking like it was going to shoot arrows at the earth. Instead it’s flipped, as a sign of peace.

Then, Rabbi Schneerson writes that “Hasidic thought teaches that before the flood, God sustained the world DESPITE its low spiritual standing, due to God’s attribute of kindness. There was a limit….hence the flood.”

He goes on to write “the waters of the Flood we’re not merely a punishment. They purified the works, making physicality in general more refined and spiritually attuned. This ensured that Hashem would always sustain the world; not despite of, but BECAUSE OF its spiritual standing. Even if humans would become corrrupt, people would inevitably repent, ensuring that the world itself would have sufficient merits for its continued existence.”

Some thoughts/questions:

1. Noah was afraid to have children. Let’s rewind. Hashem wipes out the entire earth but because you listened to Him, you and your family were saved. And you trusted him enough (maybe it was fear?) to wait to come out of the ark. You followed him and came out of the ark at the proper time. Hashem tells you to be fruitful and multiply and repopulate the earth. You’ve been through all of this, and yet you are STILL afraid? I mean, sounds about right for my experiences. Hashem has been so faithful in our lives (myself and my family) and yet I still don’t completely trust Him. What is Hashem asking me to do that I am still afraid to do?

2. The rainbow. We often think of the rainbow as something fragile, precious. But considering the idea of it being flipped and picturing in my head the idea of a bow and arrow pointed at the earth? That changes my perception a bit. Hashem wasn’t angry with Noah. He wasn’t angry at Noah’s children per se. As a loving parent, he knew His kids and knew what they needed. He provided. How much do we miss this today? I reflect on how my own father and mother shaped my view of who Hashem is. I’ve had to unlearn some things as I read the Torah. I grew up believe the Torah was about Hashem’s harsh judgement – and if I stepped out of line, I’d be struck with a curse, or lightning. But when we actually read the Torah we see how Hashem continues to speak in kindness to the early humans on the earth. Kindness, mercy, and compassion. I don’t think I really equated Hashem with these attributes growing up as a kid. The rainbow is a sign not just of gentleness but of compassion. Hashem had every right to point a bow at the earth and tell Noah “I’m giving you one last chance to get this right- you better teach your kids right! You better do what I tell you! If you don’t? I’m wiping everything out and starting over!” But that is not what happened. Hashem was gentle. “Look I’m making you a promise. A covenant. I won’t ever do that (the flood, wiping out the face of the earth) again. I know you and your children have inside of you a spark that didn’t exist before the flood. You know if things get bad, you can always turn to me and repent; and I will be here to welcome you with open arms!”

That’s pretty flipping amazing! He didn’t promise not to destroy the earth because he stopped caring. He made the promise because he knew we could handle it now. And that our lives had changed.

What floods have I been through that have changed my life? Many.

This past year, many do not know; I have not been employed. I have been through a flood where I watched the world around me sink into a COVID sized hole.

For our family? COVID has been an incredible blessing. The opportunity for me to be home this past year and support the children in remote school, watch Aviyah grow up in a pandemic, learn about being a better father and husband without the stress of working in COVID? It has been amazing.

Before COVID, things were pretty strained with the kids and I. But I have learned my purpose in life with deep meaning. My purpose is my family. My kids. Torah learning. My relationship with Hashem this past year has been deeper than it has ever been. The flood this past year has been eye opening.

And yet? I’m still afraid. For our family the flood has stopped in many ways. It’s time to come out of the ark. It’s time for me to re-enter the work world. And yet? I’m still afraid.

What floods have you been through that changed your life and deepened your spirit? What floods are you coming out of that you need to engage with fear? What floods may be just starting?