Noach 1

In this week's Torah portion, we have the story of Noah. Among the commands given to Noah concerning the ark, he is told to make a light for the ark (Tzohar). What was the nature of this light? The Talmud offers two opinions: some say that it was a luminescent jewel. Some say it was a window,. Rabbi Nachman comments: "Some say, that is, some people speak, and their words of Torah and prayer shine with great luminescence, inspiring others. But most people are not on that level. But, they, too, must not dwell in darkness, or refrain from bringing light to the world. Some say, i.e., they speak words of inspiration, like a window. They don't have light of their own, but they bring to others to teachings of those who DO.They repeat the words of Torah reveled by the righteous, inspiring others, and themselves."
If we are worthy of insights, our prayer and Torah teaching will be brilliant. But some people, if THEY can't shine, don't want to let others shine. If they are miserable, they want EVERYONE to be miserable. Further, they may even deny that light exist. They become cold, cynical...and darkened. But we are called upon not to be in that state. Study the words of holiness, light and faith, that have been revealed by the sages and tzaddikim of all generations. Be a window, until you merit your own light!