Noach

The passuk states that Hashem told Noach that the land will be destroyed, “because the land was full with chamas – robbery.” At the end of the Parsha it relates the story with the dor haFlaga who built a tower to rebel against Hashem. Hashem punished them in Olam Hazeh that they were caused to scatter and separate from each other. Plus, they were punished that they do not have a portion in Olam Haba. Rashi points out that of course the dor haFlaga acted worse as they outrightly opposed Hashem to fight against Him, as if to say. If so, why then were the dor haFlaga just scattered around the world, whereas the dor haMabul was wiped out from the face of the earth?

Rashi answers that the dor haMabul were thieves, and there was conflict amongst each other, therefore they were destroyed from the word. However, the dor haFlaga had friendship and got along with each other, therefore they were kept in the world. This teaches how much arguments are hated, and how great it is to have peace.

Rashi writes that although the dor haMabul transgressed cardinal aveiros such as avodah zarah and gilui arayos, still the judgment was sealed because of the sin of gezel. Rabbi Kletenick asked: We know that for avodah zarah and gilui arayos one needs to let himself be killed so as not to transgress these aveiros; however, this is not the case for gezel. Since the aveiros of avodah zarah and gilui arayos are significantly stricter; why then was the verdict for the dor haMabul sealed for the sin of gezel?

Rabbi Kletenick’s son suggested that avodah zarah and gilui arayos are transgressions bein adam la’makom whereas gezel is bein adam la’chaveiro. Since the people were corrupt between each other, there was no hope for society to exist. Also, if there is shalom and achdus then Hashem looks away and acts with rachamim. We find this by Achav that although his generation worshipped idolatry, they were victorious in battle because there was achdus amongst the people. When there is peace and unity amongst people then there is room for improvement; but when people are corrupt between themselves then it’s all over! Therefore, the dor haMabul were sealed for a bad judgement specifically because of their robbery.

May Hashem help us be on good terms with whom we confront and merit the rebuilding of the Third Bais HaMikdash speedily in our days!