Rashi ( a sage from the 11th century) points out how there is some question as to the level of righteousness of Noah. Was he considered righteous because his generation was so bad? Or was he indeed righteous so that if he had lived in a different generation he would have been even MORE righteous?

It’s an interesting question to ponder. One of the questions about Noah was how much he did (or did not) have compassion and care for the community around him. Contrasted with Moses, Noah seemed self focused. Rashi points out Noah did involve himself with others around him, but the question was motive; was he doing that because he was required to? Did he do that because he was concerned about those around him?

These questions (for me) focus inward. When I consider myself; do I compare myself with others around me, finding satisfaction with how I engage my Judaism because of others? Or do I focus on my own personal practice, without considering those around me; sparking on towards deeper connection with Hashem? Although I do spend time in the latter (inward reflection) I spend more time than I care to admit on comparing myself to others.

Comparing myself to others is always a problem; because it’s all relative. I can choose to compare myself to those Jews around me who seem to “practice” Judaism more than me, and feel a sense of shame and guilt. Or I can choose to compare myself to those Jews around me who seem to practice Judaism less than me, and instead feel a sense of pride. Both are completely problematic; because in both instances, I suffer from separating myself from the community rather than connecting and engaging.

The truth is; a Jew is a Jew. We are all on our individual journeys with Hashem; and we cannot compare ourselves to others because our journeys are different.

I believe (this is my opinion) we are called to be interconnected with others; Whether they are Jewish or not. We are not called to isolate ourselves. We are called to engage and be a light to each other, illuminate the darkness on this earth and working towards Tikkun Olam; bringing Hashem’s spark of light to the earth.

Just some thinking on this Sunday morning