Parshat Noach

In this week’s Parsha, Hashem instructs Noach: ״וְאַתָּ֣ה קַח־לְךָ֗ מִכׇּל־מַֽאֲכָל֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל וְאָסַפְתָּ֖ אֵלֶ֑יךָ וְהָיָ֥ה לְךָ֛ וְלָהֶ֖ם לְאׇכְלָֽה׃״ - And you should take for you from all of the food that is eaten and you should gather to you and it will be for you and for them (the animals) to eat.” (בראשית ו:כא). Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz, an early Rosh Yeshiva of ישיבת מיר ירושלים, quotes the Kli Yakar’s commentary on this pasuk. The Kli Yakar points out that the word “לְךָ - for you,” implies that Noach was required to use his personal possessions to supply the sustenance for the journey in the Teiva. Rabbi Shmuelevitz explains the rationale as to why the provisions needed to be provided specifically by Noach himself and not from a different source based upon a principle of human nature.

People believe that the closer the relationship they have with someone, the more inclined they are to give to that individual, and that if that person loves them, they will certainly give back to them. In truth, say the Masters of Mussar, the reverse is correct. The way to develop a bond and connection with others is through giving to them. This concept is clearly written in מסכת דרך ארץ זוטא פ״ב - “אם חפץ אתה להדבק באהבת חבירך הוי נושא ונותן בטובתו” (if you would like to connect with your friend, you should be busy with good acts for him). The root of the word “אַהַבָה,” love, is “הַב,” to give. A critical component to foster and nurture a relationship with others is through benevolent giving. The (ספר אורחת צדיקים (שער אהבה similarly spells this out.