Parshat Lech Lecha

By Rabbi Avi Billet

Issue of Nov. 7, 2008 / 9 Cheshvan 5769

When we were first introduced to Noach last week, we were told that he was righteous and “Tamim,” perfect or complete. While rabbinic literature records the debate over the degree of his righteousness, most notably in comparing him to Avraham, none can argue that a “tzaddik” is not a “tzaddik,” even when compared to one of the greatest Jews who ever lived.

It is fascinating that Avraham is not described as “tamim” until after he circumcises himself. The bris –– Avraham’s fulfillment of his covenant with G-d in which G-d promises to be Avraham’s G-d –– helps Avraham achieve the “perfection” he needs in order to become the prodigal, “perfect” father of the new nation.

How does Noach achieve this perfection while Avraham needs to undergo surgery to achieve it?

Before we answer this question, let us note a strange similarity between Avraham and Noach. Both of them fulfill their ultimate task in this world at a noted time on the clock: “b’etzem hayom hazeh.” It is in the middle of the day that Noach enters the ark (7:13) and Avraham and Yishmael are circumcised (17:26).

Without taking away from Noach’s accomplishments as a righteous man, the Torah does add a clear caveat to his description. All applicable accolades were “in his generation” (6:9). In comparison to everyone else, he was more than special. He was unique. However, once he is the only person around, after the flood, he is no longer called “ish tzaddik,” a righteous man, but “ish ha’adamah” (9:20), a man of the earth. While the tzaddik was perfect, whole and complete, the man of the earth gets drunk and embarrasses himself in front of his sons.

Righteousness is apparently measured relative to others.

Avraham, on the other hand, is never called righteous until after his circumcision. In 18:19, G-d contemplates telling Avraham about the pending destruction of Sodom simply because He knows Avraham is a person who will eventually teach his children to be mindful towards and proactive seekers of righteousness and justice.

What is the connection? Noach took 600 years to achieve perfection, and his success came from the fact that he was simply better than those around him. He may have had exemplary “middot” (character traits), but once the competition was eliminated, he became a regular man of the earth.

Avraham constantly sought to and was challenged to achieve his newer status in the future, as early as the bright old age of 99. In 17:1, he is told to “go before Me and become perfect,” while in 18:19, his righteousness is reported as something he will most definitely teach his own children when he has them.

Why do Noach and Avraham each fulfill their appointed task, entering the ark and circumcision, respectively, in the middle of the day? An approach which I first heard from my father, Rabbi Hershel Billet, and of which I am guilty of not presenting completely, begins with the idea that when G-d commands something which may seem controversial, the best way to show allegiance to G-d is to fulfill the commandment in front of others, so long as the action, in and of itself, doesn’t harm anyone.

I believe there is a deeper lesson as well. The difference lies in what the individuals do, after their “b’etzem hayom hazeh” experience. Noach goes into the ark and has no contact with the soon-to-be-extinct world. And after the flood, at best, Noach rests on the laurels of his earlier righteousness while he turns into a man of the earth.

Avraham is not ready to rest on his laurels. He needs to actively do something, to sacrifice a part of himself in a way that indicates his attachment to his Creator. Once circumcised, Avraham sits outside of his tent looking to greet wayward travelers. He does not dwell on the past; he looks only to what he can accomplish in the future.

The message is clear. What we do is not just about how we flaunt our better qualities or how we measure up to the Joneses (though that may make us look very righteous). We can dwell on the past if we wish to, but it is unproductive. Rather, our task is to go from our spiritual high to look out in the world and help others, with a vision for the betterment of our collective future.

Avi Billet welcomes your thoughts and comments at avbillet@gmail.com.