Noach
Parshat Noach Summary
Parshat Noach is the 2nd parsha in Sefer Bereshit (Genesis), encompassing Genesis 6:9 – 11:32, a total of 153 verses.
Introduction: Following the foundational and cosmic narratives of Parshat Bereshit. Parshat Noach narrows the focus to one man amongst humanity, Noach, and the moral collapse of humanity. The transition marks a shift from universal beginnings to particular moral responsibility. The creator is always looking for that one or group of upright people who choose to bear responsibility for making our world a good, pleasurable experience for the masses in a Torah healthy way. It's important to remember that you can always choose to be that person.
Aliyah 1: Genesis 6:9 – 6:22 Noach is introduced as a tzaddik the tzaddik, a righteous man in his generation, one who walked with God. He fathers three sons: Shem, Cham, and Yefet. Observing widespread corruption and violence, God decides to destroy the world via a flood. Noach is instructed to build a teivah (ark), with specific dimensions (300 x 50 x 30 cubits), and to gather food and pairs of animals. God makes a covenant with Noach to save him and his family.
Aliyah 2: Genesis 7:1 – 7:16 God gives a seven-day warning before the flood. Noach is commanded to bring seven pairs of kosher animals and one pair of non-kosher animals into the ark. The flood begins on the 17th of Cheshvan when Noach is 600 years old. Rain falls for 40 days and 40 nights, accompanied by subterranean waters.
Aliyah 3: Genesis 7:17 – 8:14 A detailed timeline of the flood is provided:
17 Cheshvan: Flood begins
28 Kislev: 150 days of intensified flooding ends
1 Sivan: Waters begin to recede
17 Sivan: Ark rests on Mount Ararat
1 Av: Mountain peaks visible
10 Elul: Raven sent
17 Elul: Dove sent (returns)
24 Elul: Dove returns with olive leaf
1 Tishrei: Ark uncovered
27 Cheshvan: Earth is dry
Aliyah 4: Genesis 8:15 – 9:7 God commands Noach to exit the ark. He brings offerings, and God pledges never to curse the earth again. The seasons of nature are reestablished. Humanity is given permission to eat meat but forbidden to consume blood. The universal prohibition of murder is affirmed, and humanity is again commanded to multiply.
Aliyah 5: Genesis 9:8 – 9:17 God establishes the rainbow as a sign of the covenant never to destroy the earth by flood again. This eternal covenant includes all future generations and all living creatures.
Aliyah 6: Genesis 9:18 – 10:32 Noach plants a vineyard, becomes intoxicated, and is dishonored by Cham. Shem and Yefet cover him respectfully. Noach blesses Shem and Yefet and curses Canaan, Cham’s son. The genealogies of Noach’s sons are listed, describing the 70 foundational nations of the world.
Aliyah 7: Genesis 11:1 – 11:32 The story of the Tower of Babel: humanity speaks one language and attempts to build a tower to make a name for themselves. God confounds their language and disperses them. The genealogy of Shem to Avram (Abraham) is traced. The parsha ends by introducing Terach, Avram’s father, and Avram’s marriage to Sarai.
What Mitzvot or Etzot Are in This Parsha?
Prohibition against murder (Genesis 9:6) – Sanhedrin 57a, Rambam Hilchot Melachim 9:4.
Prohibition against consuming blood (Genesis 9:4) – Chullin 102a, Shulchan Aruch YD 65.
Command to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 9:7) – Yevamot 62a, Shulchan Aruch EH 1.
Offering korbanot from kosher species – implicit mitzvah and later codified.
Observing the Divine covenant via the rainbow – reminder, not a mitzvah per se.
Parshat Noach Leading to Parshat Lech Lecha
Parshat Noach concludes with universal themes—failure of humanity, dispersion of nations, and the collapse of unified human purpose. Parshat Lech Lecha initiates a new chapter: the beginning of Am Yisrael, a particular covenant with Avraham, through whom the nations of the world will be blessed. Noach teaches the failure of collective humanity; Lech Lecha begins the story of individual spiritual greatness and divine mission.
Haftarah Summary: Ashkenazic Tradition: Isaiah 54:1 – 55:5 Sefardic Tradition: Isaiah 54:1 – 10
Hashem comforts Israel, promising eternal compassion and peace, even if the world shakes. The flood (mei Noach) serves as a model: just as God swore not to bring a flood again, so too, He will not abandon Israel. The haftarah mirrors the parsha's themes of covenant, renewal, and divine commitment.
May we learn to find purpose amidst upheaval, to build anew with faith, and to be worthy vessels of Hashem’s covenant in our generation.
Much love Yehoshua Gerzi