Photo Credit: Drew Kaplan / Wiki Commons

One may claim that Noah failed in his task of creation, for the only mention of Noah after the flood is his becoming drunk. But it is not so simple. After devastation it is not easy to begin again. In that sense, I would say Noah clearly succeeded. His creation was a resounding success even while it was done with complex feelings and emotions.

We similarly must understand the strength and commitment of those who went on after the Shoah to recreate as well. After witnessing destruction with their very eyes, so many assumed responsibility and rebuilt their lives in Israel and throughout the world. That is the type of creation that is truly everlasting.


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Rabbi Avi Weiss is founding president of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah and senior rabbi of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale. His memoir of the Soviet Jewry movement, “Open Up the Iron Door,” was recently published by Toby Press.