Parashat Noach & Unity

At the end of this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Noach,  we learn about the evil generation of the Dor Hahaflagah – “the generation that Hashem spread out” (all over the world). Before being dispersed, the people of this generation, led by King Nimrod, tried “to kill G-d,” that is wipe out the idea of G-d from society. They built a huge tower in an attempt to reach the heavens to find and kill G-d. Hashem changed the language of the construction workers and mass pandemonium caused the building to come to a standstill. As a result of all these new languages, the people spread out over the world in search of a place where they could settle together with those who spoke their same language.

The famous 11th-century Torah commentator, Rabbi Shlomo Itzchaki, better known as Rashi, asked, “Which generation is worse, Noach’s, the generation of the “mabul,” flood, or the generation of the dispersion, “hahaflagah,” that tried to kill G-d?”

Rashi says that you would think that the Dor Haflagah who were rebelling against G-d would be considered worse. However, we see that the generation of Noach was almost completely destroyed and the Dor Haflagah was only punished with becoming confused and then spread out. Why wasn’t the Dor Haflagah at least punished as severely as the generation of the flood?

Rashi answers that since the people of the “Haflagah” were getting along and working together, they were not punished as severely as the people of Noach’s generation. We can derive from here how much Hashem loves when people get along peacefully.

Taking a closer look at the story will give us an even deeper understanding. The Midrashim regarding the building of the Tower of Bavel recount that during this massive construction, many workers fell to their deaths. When this would occur, no one would cry. It was as if nothing happened. Yet If a brick fell and was destroyed they would stop to cry about the loss of another brick. The construction would now take a bit longer!

Another Medrash states that after Hashem changed their languages, the building came to a stop. One person would ask for a pail, the other not understanding his friend’s language thought his partner wanted a hammer. In frustration, the person who received the wrong tool threw it at his friend. A big brawl ensued.

From both of these Midrashim, we see that these people in truth did not truly respect one another. How can you not mourn the loss of your working partner?! Why would you throw an object at someone for misunderstanding your request?

Yet it was for these types of disrespecting and uncaring people that Hashem had mercy and did not destroy, notwithstanding they were only superficially getting along. Even though they only got along to construct a building to kill G-d, this level of friendship was considered a positive factor that spared them from destruction. Even this kind of getting along is loved by Hashem.

Hashem, of course, loves it even more when we get along with one another, especially when we genuinely care about each other. Certainly, it brings great happiness and joy to Hashem if we do a sincere act to preserve or restore peace and harmony be it in school, at home, or in our community.

Taking this lesson home, during these trying and dangerous times, we should double our efforts in “Achdut,”  unity, and work on improving our relationships both at home and in school. Let us work on ourselves to genuinely get concerned for the welfare of others and not just superficially “help out.” Certainly, our respect and love for one another will bring great joy to Hashem and bring us the much-needed shelter of His mighty protection.

May all of us have shalom on our Shabbat!