You know the setting. After several hours of flight, even before the aircraft has been brought to a complete stop, passengers are out of their seats and rushing to the doors. Even if they had reached their destination and there is no rush to be anywhere – flying culture dictates the necessity to leave that plane ASAP. It makes sense: People do not appreciate being locked into any place without the freedom to leave at will.
This week we learn of the dramatic story of the Great Flood. 1,656 years after creation, civilization had proven itself to be an epic disaster. Corruption, murder, thievery and deceit were rampant and G-d had finally had enough. The plan called for a complete wash down of the globe and a reset of humanity from one righteous family. Noach was instructed to build an ark that would save his family and a representation of all animal life to repopulate the planet anew. We know the rest of the story: He survived and we are here today to retell the story.
There is a striking detail at the end of the story. Noach and company were locked in the ark for 365 days and even after it was determined that the coast was clear, G-d needed to command him to leave the ark and to force all the animals to disembark with him. Would you need to be coaxed off an enclosed sea liner after twelve months?
It is common to resist change. Once one is accustomed to a certain routine it is difficult to break ingrained habits. Many prefer the problems of familiar territory than to face the daunting task of acclimating to a new order – no matter the advantages it may offer. When circumstances force a change, it is often done with apprehension and dread.
This is the divine message of the story of Noach. Life had flourished in the confines of the giant box called the ark for a full year. Noach, his family and the animal kingdom felt secure and comfortable in their life boat. Nevertheless, greater opportunity waited for them on the outside. G-d entrusted them with the mission of building a new world anchored in goodness, morality and faith in G-d.
“Tzei Min HaTeivah” – “Leave the Ark!” is the divine message that reverberates today to each and every one of us. Leave your comfort zone and embrace the challenges of realizing new opportunities. Many of us become limited to a familiar clique of several families and resist the golden opportunity of new relationships. Realize the invaluable gifts you have and share them with others. Invite strangers to participate in holiday celebrations, synagogue services and Torah classes. This is the true way of building a strong and vibrant community for us all.