Parashat Noach

By Rabbi David Shasho

It says in this weeks Parashah

“נֺחַ אִישׁ צַדִיק תָּמִים ”

“Noach was a righteous man he was perfect in his generations”

Rabenu Efraim writes Noach was a Tsadik because he gave Tseddakah. This is why he was saved from the flood. The Pasuk says in Mishlei   ( מַתָּ֣ן בַּ֭סֵּתֶר יִכְפֶּה־אָ֑ף ” (21:14”- “A gift in secret subdues anger”

The Chida adds and says the word “תָּמִים” implies his simplicity and goodness, that he gave charity without even knowing who was receiving it.

Rav Chaim Brisker is perhaps best known for his unique way of learning but equally incredible was his devotion to tzedakah and chesed. Rav Yechezkel Abramsky, a close student, related, “I was once in Rav Chaim’s home when two wealthy residents of Brisk came by and handed him a sealed envelope.

What was in the envelope? That week, the two had celebrated the wedding of their children and Rav Chaim had been mesader kiddushin. They came to give him a donation in honor of his efforts, as was customary in those days, whereby rabbonim would receive support as payment for siddur kiddushin. While they were there, a poor person entered and asked Rav Chaim for a donation. Without thinking twice and without even looking to see how much money there was inside, Rav Chaim gave the poor person the sealed envelope. The two wealthy individuals observed all of this, mouths open wide!”

Anyone who needs a salvation should give to a charity and not know who the money goes to. Measure for measure Hashem will answer your prayers not looking at whether you deserve it or not.

Shabbat Shalom!