Noah was called a tzaddik – a righteous soul in his generation. The classic question commentators ask is “was he righteous just compared to the people of his generation who were considered corrupt, extremists and violent? Or, was he as righteous as the most holy souls of biblical tradition?”
Either way, Pirke Avot (Mishnah Avot 2:5) teaches “In a place where no one is stepping up to be righteous, be that soul!” It might be difficult among extremists to take the middle way. It is hard not to be too judgmental. It is not easy to generate generosity and be generous with our tzedakah.
“Build an ark!” God says to Noah. Give all you can especially in dark times. Continue to demonstrate your generosity and commitment to righteousness by building a structure where your family and creatures of the earth receive the benefit of your blessings.
When we attune ourselves to contributing to the buildings and projects that we know rouse people to righteousness and generosity we take after our Father, Noah, in the best of ways.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Bolton