* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin ([email protected])
What is to be done when we feel that the flood waters rising outside are about to inundate our world?
As God tells Noah in this week's Torah portion: "Come into the ark."
Throughout the centuries, our commentators have emphasized that each of us needs to find a personal "Noah's ark."
This was never more true than it is right now.
"Come into the ark," the parasha tells us. Enter a safe room that protects not only your body, but your soul.
In Hebrew, the word "teiva" means both "ark" and "word." In this context, the Ba'al Shem Tov says that "Come into the ark" is an invitation to find shelter in words -- of Torah and of prayer.
How many words of prayer have been offered, how many psalms have been recited in recent days?
Other commentators say that the ark we seek can be found in Shabbat, in the family, in the community, in our circle of friends.
Each of us needs a "Noah's ark," a secure place of our own, especially at this time.
What's yours?
