Noach
Wine and Water
In this week’s Parsha we read about the “Mabul,” the flood that covered the earth, and its immediate aftermath.
Upon Noach and his family exiting the Ark, the Torah describes his agricultural capabilities: “And Noach began to be a master of the soil, and he planted a vineyard.” After the harvest, the verse tells us, “And he (Noach) drank of the wine and became drunk.” (Bereishit 9:20-21)
The Abarbanel offers a practical explanation for Noach consuming so much wine. He reasons that after having endured and survived the flood, Noach had become disgusted with water, and didn’t want to see it again! Thus, wine became his beverage of choice.
In his commentary to the book of “Yeshaya,” Isaiah, part of which comprises this week’s Haftorah, the Abarbanel expounds on the symbolism of water.
Water, he says, facilitates two basic bodily functions: 1) It helps regulate the body’s temperature, and is useful in reducing fever; 2) It assists in the digestive process, helping the body ingest the vital nutrients.
The Torah – which is compared to water – contains these two aspects as well. One who encounters questions and uncertainties about G‑d may become consumed with these doubts, as a fever that can overtake an entire body. The Abarbanel tells us that the antidote for such a predicament is Torah study.
At the same time, Torah also assists the person who feels overcome and challenged when attempting to understand abstract spiritual ideas. Just as water helps the human body absorb nourishment, studying Torah is what enables us to master and internalize the most nuanced and deepest of concepts.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.