Chapter 06 - Text Notes

1 Rashi interprets {Hebrew Ref} here to mean "progeny," not as other Rishonim, who translate it as "history." According to Rashi why is {Hebrew Ref} inserted? (S.H.)

2 Mishlei 10, 7.

3 I.e., the fact that after saying, "These are the progeny of Noach," it does not immediately mention the names of the children.

4 Ber. Rab. 30, 6.

5 {Hebrew Ref} ---During his generations. What about other generations?

6 I.e., he was righteous even in his generation when everyone else was not.

7 I.e., only in his generations would he be considered righteous.

8 Ber. Rab. 30, 9.

9 Ber. 24, 40.

10 The {Hebrew Ref} form can be used for future in the command form "Go!" and also in the past tense---"He went."

11 {Hebrew Ref} form [lit "heavy" form] are the conjugations that have a dagesh in one of the root letters. Thus, when the {Hebrew Ref} of the verb {Hebrew Ref} has a dagesh it can have one of two meanings. (See previous note.)

12 Ber. 13, 17.

13 The imperative being in the future since it calls for an action in the future.

14 II Shmuel 14, 19.

15 I Melachim 8, 42.

16 According to the rule that a vav at the beginning of a verb in the past tense changes it to the future tense.

17 Wherever Scripture refers to sin as {Hebrew Ref} it refers to lewdness and idolatry. (Sanhedrin 56b v. Rashi ibid.)

18 Dev. 4, 16.

19 V. 12.

20 Why does it not say {Hebrew Ref} ---all people?

21 Sanhedrin 108a, Tanchuma Noach 12.

22 It is inconceivable that absolutely all flesh became corrupt.

23 Ber. Rab. 26, 5.

24 If mankind was totally corrupt, why is only robbery singled out?

25 Sanhedrin 108a.

26 Shemos 9, 29.

27 I Melachim 15, 23.

28 Tanchuma 58.

29 The waters of the flood were boiling hot, heated by sulphur. (G.A., S.H.)

30 Ber. Rab. 31, 10.

31 Shabbos 67a.

32 Ber. Rab. 31, 10.

33 That there was no tar on the inside of Moshe's ark.

34 Ber. Rab. 31, 11; Sanhedrin 108b. The latter opinion holds that a window would have served no purpose since the sun and moon provided no light during the flood. See Rashi 8, 22.

35 Sanhedrin 108b.

36 I.e., the angels.

37 "When I was about to create man."

38 Tehillim 8, 5; Ber. Rab. 31, 12.

39 There are three versions for the etymology of {Hebrew Ref} .

40 I.e., the last version.

41 Ber. 10, 10.

42 Ber. Rab. 37, 4; Shabbos 113b.

43 Ber. Rab. 31, 12.

44 While in the ark. It would be unseemly to propagate while the world is being destroyed. (Sanhedrin 108b, Ber. Rab. 31, 12; Tanchuma 11.)

45 What is included in {Hebrew Ref} which is not included in {Hebrew Ref} ?

46 They are "living things" but not of flesh. (Ber. Rab. 31, 13)

47 Does it not state that there were seven of each specie? (7, 2).

48 Zevachim 116a.

49 Those that were not fit to be saved were repelled by the ark and could not even approach it. This is how Noach knew which of them had not corrupted their way.

50 Sanhedrin 108b.

51 This could not literally mean "everything," including coming into the ark, for he is first told to do so in the next verse. Furthermore, in 7, 5 it again states; "Noach did all that he was commanded." Therefore, this must refer only to the construction of the ark. (G.A.)

52 Ber. Rab. 31, 13.