The Evil Generation
The generation of Noach was filled with wickedness and idol worship. Their behavior was so corrupt that the entire world had to be destroyed. Only the righteous Noach and his family were worthy of being saved.
But what caused these people to stoop so low? This was the only time in history when Hashem (God) had to destroy the entire world because of mankind’s terrible sins. And in contrast, what helped Noach become so righteous and remain unaffected by the evil around him?
Great Comfort And Abundance
Noach’s generation lived in great comfort and wealth. They enjoyed long lives and abundant blessings. Yet instead of using their success to appreciate Hashem’s kindness, they became arrogant. They denied Hashem’s involvement in their prosperity and were never satisfied with what they had. (Based on Sanhedrin 108a)
Rashi, in his commentary on Kohelet (Ecclesiastes 8:15), explains that sins such as theft and adultery come from a lack of happiness with one’s lot. Noach’s generation was blessed with financial abundance, but it was never enough. They stole from others, and they were not content with their own spouses, instead desiring those who belonged to others.
Noach Was Different
Noach, however, chose a very different path. He truly appreciated every blessing Hashem gave him. This deep sense of gratitude led him to become righteous and to give Hashem great pleasure, as the Torah states, “And Noach found favor (chen) in the eyes of Hashem.”
Rav Chaim Friedlander explains that the word chen (favor) comes from the word chinam -meaning “free or undeserved.” Noach viewed everything in his life as a matanat chinam – a free and undeserved gift from Hashem. Because of this humility and gratitude, he found great favor in Hashem’s eyes.
This idea is beautifully expressed in Midrash Tanchuma, Parshat Vezot Haberachah 7, which teaches: “It is the way of the righteous to thank Hashem constantly for everything they eat, drink, see, or hear.” Gratitude is a quality that truly defines the righteous. Why did Noach survive the flood? It was this very trait of gratitude that saved Noach and enabled him to remain pure and upright in a corrupt world.
Noach Was Thankful
We can also suggest that it was gratitude that helped Noach stay joyful even in such dark times. The Torah describes him as “tamim hayah bedorotav” – “he was wholesome in his generation.” Our Sages explain that the word hayah hints to simchah – joy. The Me’or Einayim (a Chassidic commentary) notes that this verse reveals that Noach lived with inner joy. Surrounded by evil and sin, he still found reasons to rejoice, because his happiness came from his connection to Hashem and his appreciation for life’s blessings.
There is so much we can learn from Noach. Our abundance of blessings should never lead us to arrogance or entitlement. Instead, they should inspire us to be more appreciative. Gratitude naturally brings simchah (joy), and simchah helps us grow spiritually and allows us, like Noach, to find favor in Hashem’s eyes.
It’s All Gratitude
Rav Chatzkel Levenstein, the renowned Mashgiach (spiritual guide), was known as a great tzaddik, a righteous man who reached remarkable levels in his service of Hashem (Avodat Hashem). Regardless of the situation, he was always joyful. His students, who knew how serious and exacting he was with himself, were amazed. How could someone so introspective and self-demanding live with such constant joy?
When asked about this, Rav Levenstein explained that there was no contradiction. His life’s goal was to develop a deep awareness of Hashem, to feel His presence tangibly and strengthen his bond with Him. Because of this, he constantly focused on the good that Hashem bestowed upon him and internalized that everything that happened was for the best. So, even though he demanded much from himself, he was always mindful of Hashem’s kindness. It was this focus that filled his life with simchah. (As recounted by Rav Dov Yaffeh in Levdecha Ba’emet, p.18)
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
