Shabbat Shalom!.
NOAH09
Genesis 6:9-11:32
Torah Reading for Week of October 18-24, 2009
Tishrei 30-Cheshvan 6, 5770
"...From the the pure animals and from the animals that are not pure, from the birds, and from all that creeps upon the earth,two by two they came to Noah into the ark, male and female, as G-d had commanded Noah."
The story of Noah is one of the most widely known of the torah. During this time the world became so morally corrupt that Hashem concludes he must eradicate mankind and begin anew. One man, “won G-ds favor” and that man was Noah. Noah, who was a “righteous and morally pure man in his generation,” was called upon by G-d to build an ark to save himself, his family and representatives of the many species of animals as specified by G-d,
“Two by two they came to Noah into the ark, male and female, as God commanded Noah.”
The quote from the torah about Noah being a morally pure man “in his generation” has raised many questions over the years. Commentators have clarified these words in two ways, it could be a good thing that although the generation was evil and barbaric Noah was able to be decent and righteous, or in another light if Noah had been born of a different generation he wouldn’t have been considered so righteous, and it was only because of the total corruption around him that Noah appeared special. Irregardless, how difficult it must have been for Noah to appear an outcast and to do such a ridiculous thing as building this huge ark to save his family from the coming flood. To be able to withstand a world which constantly berated and criticized him. It's quite hard to insulate yourself to such an extent so not to come under the influence of a morally corrupt society. Noah constructed this huge boat - not at the sea shore - but on a mountain-top over a period of 120 years. It has been said that the reason it took so long was that Hashem specifically wanted to see if during this time people would be curious and speak with Noah about ultimately changing their ways ; however after 120 years Hashem came to realize
"… the inclination of the heart of man is evil from his youth" (Genesis 8:21)
and the immorality and cruelty which humans exhibited did not change. In fact Rashi comments, "He (G-d) brought them down with mercy, so that if they should repent, these should be rains of blessing." Thus, even at the very last moment, if the people would change their ways not only would there have been no flood, but the rains would have been transformed into "rains of blessing" ...
Where did this depth of certainty which made Noah so famous come from? How did Noah know how to be righteous in his time? Is it something in his genes ?something innate, or is it based purely on the deep belief in that which G-d commands is right? In either case where did Noah get the strength not to choose to respond to an environment which was totally corrupt and selfish and standup for what was considered not the norm? One perpective which just recently was discussed at an exceptionally well run seminar at Yeshiva University “The Human Blueprint” included many discussions on Jewish perspectives on genetics. Are we who we are because of the way we are raised, and the environment in which we live or is it our genetic composition which makes us who we are. Obviously in reality this issue is somewhat complex as we are a mixture of various elements and background influences. However, more importantly as the torah is not just a storybook, there are major lessons to be learned. We need to be aware of who we surround ourselves with. Our friends and spouses should bring out the best in us, to help and encourage us to act appropriately. Conversely we.have the job of reaching out and extending ourselves to others, to influence others in a positive way and to stand up to opposition which is against torah values.
Doing what we believe is right when everyone else is doing wrong is extremely difficult. What was considered immoral was normal behavior. But as Jews and as Noah, we have been given the strength as well as our Torah to choose us what the right way is to live our lives. Unfortunately during the time of Noah the society was so corrupt that not even one person expressed the desire to change. Let us hope that the influences which we are affected by and the people whom we affect reflect the best of ourselves and our environment. As Jews we all have this responsibility.The Talmud says "Kol Yisrael areivim zeh ba-zeh" -- every Jew is responsible one for another.
Just as Noah was considered a ”tzaddik in his time” so to we can be one in ours.
Shabbat Shalom,
Miriam
Once the Flood occurred and destroyed the plants, eating meat was unavoidable . After the Flood, there was further destruction of the ground. When Noah and his family left the ark, they found nothing growing on the earth and had to resort to eating meat for survival .
Chicken Wings
3/4 cup Coca~Cola
1/2 can jelllied cranberry sauce
1/4 c. soy sauce
2 T. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. prepared mustard
1 small onion - chopped
2 tsp. worcestershire sauce
10 chicken wings(can use chicken legs)
Preparation -
In medium saucepan, combine all ingredients, except wings. Heat to
boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.
Bake wings at 350º for 25 minutes. (If using legs increase time to 45
minutes.Pour sauce over wings & bake 10 minutes longer at 375º. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Braised Beef Short Ribs
3 cups flour
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
3 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons black pepper
8 beef short ribs (about 6 ounces each)
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups chopped carrots
2 cups red wine
1 head garlic, about 12 cloves,cut in 1/2's
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
beef broth, enough to cover ribs (about 32 ounches)
Preparation
Heat oven to 300°F.
Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in shallow bowl; mix well. Dredge the short ribs in the seasoned flour and shake off the excess.
Heat the olive oil in a large braising pan or ovenproof casserole over medium-high heat. Working in several small batches, sear the ribs until well browned on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add the onions, celery, and carrots; cook until well browned and caramelized. Add the red wine, garlic, rosemary, and thyme and simmer until liquid is reduced. Return beef short ribs back to the pan; add beef broth to almost cover the ribs.
Braise covered in oven for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Carefully remove the beef ribs from the pan and arrange on a serving platter; pour braising liquid through a strainer; arrange the vegetables on platter.
Bring braising liquid to a boil, reduce heat and simmer to desired consistency. To serve, pour sauce over short ribs and vegetables.
Mediterranean Vegetable Salad
1 can baby artichokes
2tbl. Fresh lemon juice
1 1/2lbs. baby red potatoes, halved
1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tbl. Chopped garlic
¾ teasp. Salt
1/8 teasp. Black pepper
1 cup chopped tomatoes
½ cup chopped black olives
1 tbl. Capers
3tbl. Chopped fresh parsley
1 tbl. Herbes de Provence
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Toss artichokes with lemon juice,add potatoes,onions,olive oil,garlic,salt&pepper,and toss evenly to coat. Place in baking dish and bake for 45 minutes to one hour, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes. Cook 10-15minutes more until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven and let cool. Add olives and capers and toss with the parsley and herbes de Provence. Add additional olive oil to taste and extra seasoning if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature on toasted pita or Israeli flatbread lafah.
Shabbat Shalom!.
