Noah, the Flood and the Failure of Man According to the Midrash Rabbah

The biblical story of Noah and the flood is examined through the interpretations of the sages of the Midrash Rabbah in this study. Astonished by certain descriptions of Noah’s actions and events that took place in his lifetime, the sages reveal dimensions of the biblical narrative in a new light. Though they view Noah as a saintly, if flawed, man, their interpretations lead to a new understanding of why God waited instead for someone like Abraham, whose character  was unimpeachable, to undertake the grander task of rebuilding humanity. This book presents the Midrash as a work of literature that raises questions and offers criticism and insights, the goal of which is to get teachers and students alike to think and reflect and, ultimately, understand and act according to the highest moral and ethical standards.

Wilfred Shuchat has been an active rabbi for more than 50 years and has studied and taught the Midrash Rabbah during his tenure as rabbi of Shaar HaShomayim Synagogue in Montreal. He lives in Montreal.