When a person opens a window, light fills their heart
“Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch” Genesis 6:14
- Since Noah is entrusted with building the ark and providing for his family and all of the animals, he is unable to study. However, he nevertheless attains a high spiritual level – allowing him to speak with God. From this we can surmise that anyone prevented from studying – for reasons beyond their control – can still come closer to God through other means. Every person has a chance to grow and approach God in their own individual way.
- Noah opens a window inside the ark. In other words, he lets the light enter, fill him, and nurture his soul. We too must open a window and allow the light and knowledge in. A person always needs an outer source of light to ignite and open their heart. We must always open windows into the world.
Growth is the birthright of every individual
“And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud…And I will remember my covenant, which isbetween me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh” Genesis 9:12 – 15
- As opposed to sunlight, the colors of the rainbow are fixed and immutable. The rainbow is a divine ray breaking into seven different hues, representing the rich diversity of mankind. This makes it the ultimate banner of God’s creation. From enlightened spiritual leaders to individuals dwelling in darkness – every person has the opportunity to ascend and spread their light.
Pearls of Divine Wisdom: “Noah”
- The rainbow is the most precise symbol of God’s vision for his creations because it expresses the colorfulness of human diversity. We must seek and embrace otherness, rather than sticking to that which is familiar and similar to us. We must share with those who are strange to us because divinity can be seen in their faces, as well. Our salvation depends on this ability.
- There is also diversity in how we approach our Creator. Each of us may reach out to God in our own unique way. When we refine our hearts, we are privileged to reflect the image of our Creator.
- There are different levels of faith – each of which is achievable through intense and sincere effort. There is no shortcut on the path to olam habriah (the world of creation). When we try to climb the spiritual ladder without real effort, or attempt to gain power without regard for others, we are engaged in a selfish act that is doomed to fail. We must instead constantly strive to become better versions of ourselves – and help others endeavor to do the same.
Persistence is the relentless pursuit of our personal mission.
