The text states: “the people were evil; the flood erased them from the earth”. However the Midrash equates the flood waters with the waters of creation which are pure and holy; is it good news or bad news? Is Torah in heaven or on earth?
Rabbi Manis Friedman is a world-renowned author, lecturer and philosopher; and co-founder of Bais Chana Institute of Jewish Studies in Minnesota. He also served as simultaneous translator for the live televised talks by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
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Discussion (4)
October 26, 2011
reader comments
Is one able to read the answers given, comments given to reader questions and comments? Some people have such good questions and confusions. I have them, too, but don't articulate so well.
Anonymous Lafayette, CA
October 7, 2010
mabul
i want to be a G-d fearing Jew. I believe in G-d because I think it is the thoughtful position -- maybe I should say I accept the idea of Hashem. Belief can come and go; but the the idea remains viable at all times. I think the idea of an actual mabul -- well of course it may have occurred -- but DID it occur? The evidence WE have says "no." That's how it looks from science. Can't I still be a Jew and say "no -- not from our point of view" on the mabul? I believe in science -- that's why I stick with Hashem as the creator -- the prime mover unmoved. If I am "forced" to accept what remains scientifically not possible -- then I am put in a bind I cannot escape. I can't be the only one. Why do stories in the Bible have to be true history in order for us to accept them as a story that is divine?
Anonymous Brooklyn, NY
October 4, 2010
end of days
If we are to be cleansed again, it sounds as though the world will be a better place. I just cannot see how this could happen. So maybe we will humbled by the financial crisis, drug crisis, family crisis, and terrorism. The spiritual state of the world is non existant. Thank G-d for Chabad's use of the wisdom of the Zohar to give us a greater and deeper awareness of G-d, and using the invisible internet power to bring it to us.
Catherine NY, NY
October 15, 2009
holy is holy and good is good. How do you distinguish when all is bad? I see this everyday now in my life. I try to figure what I did wrong why do the good people suffer. why why whyw why. Why is the people who do rite get taken from us? Why is my wife so miserable. why is my son slow are these the wrong things to ask its not understood. Why do people dislike Jews. we went through so much. What are the answers. how do you do rite when you believe you are. Why are we here? What are we? So many questions. My level was great now I crashed and burned.. why. What can I do. where do you go. I watch my children grow and get smarter everyday and I thank G-D for that. This is all I have. .
Lafayette, CA
I think the idea of an actual mabul -- well of course it may have occurred -- but DID it occur? The evidence WE have says "no." That's how it looks from science.
Can't I still be a Jew and say "no -- not from our point of view" on the mabul?
I believe in science -- that's why I stick with Hashem as the creator -- the prime mover unmoved.
If I am "forced" to accept what remains scientifically not possible -- then I am put in a bind I cannot escape.
I can't be the only one.
Why do stories in the Bible have to be true history in order for us to accept them as a story that is divine?
Brooklyn, NY
NY, NY
Why are we here? What are we? So many questions.
My level was great now I crashed and burned.. why. What can I do. where do you go. I watch my children grow and get smarter everyday and I thank G-D for that. This is all I have. .
Orange Park, FL
southsidechabad.com