November 21, 2008
After being infused with lofty levels of sanctity and spirituality throughout the month of Tishre, we now find ourselves embedded in the month of Cheshvan - a month devoid of any festive celebration or auspicious occasion. To emphasize this characteristic of Cheshvan, the rabbis decided to label Cheshvan as "mar" - bitter - due to its lack of joyous events.
Cheshvan is also known in scripture as "Bul," from the word mabul, meaning flood. Midrashic literature indicates that the anniversary of the flood during the days of Noah occurs on the 17th of Cheshvan. As a result, Cheshvan has the infamous distinction of being the month in which an unparalleled cataclysm literally destroyed the world. As we proceed through this month it is, therefore, important to acquire some perspective of that catastrophic episode and learn a relevant lesson for our own lives.
Although the generation of the flood was guilty of myriad crimes and misdemeanors, God informed Noah that their fate was ultimately sealed by the offense of rampant robbery. The Midrash relates that in actuality it was petty theft, which was too minor in value to be adjudicated by the courts that was rife during Noah's generation. Why was this the transgression that caused their downfall when there were more hideous acts that they perpetrated?
Theft is symptomatic of a society whose constituents are deficient in rudimentary respect for each other. This was a society that rejected the concept of community and embraced a philosophy of narcissism, aggression and unrestrained personal ambition. They were the first and ultimate "me-first" generation. When citizens of a society cannot see beyond their own personal needs and abandon their obligations to community and collective goodwill, the eventual result will be a decay of the social fabric and barbaric cruelty. God decided to send a deluge to inundate this generation since it was already on a course toward self-destruction.
During Tishre, when we celebrate collectively so many spiritual events, it is easy to develop a sense of community and fraternity. In Cheshvan we naturally withdraw into a more introverted lifestyle as we return to our mundane, worldly pursuits. By emphasizing our commitments to our society, community, and each other during the month of Cheshvan, we can demonstrate our disdain for the behavior of Noah's generation. By doing so, we can transform the waters of Cheshvan into a symbol of life and renewal.
Rabbi Kenigsberg is an educator who lives in Elizabeth. He has worked in Jewish education for 25 years, serving in various capacities, from teacher to principal. He recently began his term as principal of Sha'arei Tzion Ohel Bracha in Forest Hills, N.Y. He can be reached at (908) 303-6924 or rabbiyk@aol.com.