5785/2024
In Parashat Noach and Parashat Lech Lecha, the Mefarshim frequently compare the acts of Avraham and Noach. Who was a greater Tzaddik? Why is Noach always following what Hashem tells him, while Avraham didn’t have to be told he just did it?
The Midrash Tanchuma states that it took Noach 120 years to build the Teivah, which gives time for the people of Noach’s generation to repent. We know that Noach didn’t succeed in bringing anyone to repent. In Parshat Lech Lecha, the Passuk states “וְאֶת־הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר־עָשׂ֣וּ בְחָרָ֑ן”, “and the soul they made in Charan”. Rashi comments that Avraham converted the men and Sarah converted the women.
Why was Avraham so much more successful than Noach at influencing people?
Rabbi Daniel Glatstein suggests that the approach of Noach was אֶת־הָֽאֱלֹקים הִֽתְהַלֶּךְ־נֹֽחַ׃, Noach told people about הָֽאֱלֹקים, which represents Middat HaDin, and that isn’t something that resonates with people. Avraham says וַיִּקְרָ֖א בְּשֵׁ֥ם ה׳׃, he uses the Middat HaRachamim, which was more appealing to others. He taught the world about the Chessed of Hashem, which resonated more with people than the Din of Hashem.