Vayorach HNoach 5740

The Alef Kabbala Group (28 October 08) discussed a discourse taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1979 concerning Noach's offering to G-d when he left the Ark. The Midrash relates the 'fragrance' of the burnt offering to the self-sacrifice of Abraham who was thrown into a furnace, of the friends of Daniel who were also thrown into a furnace, and of later generations of the Jewish people which suffered persecution, including in recent times. This dedication to the Divine reaches the Essence of the Infinite and draws down a life-giving force which preserves Nature, preventing the chaos of events like the Flood. Thus G-d promised that there would not be another Flood and that the basic elements of Nature would continue in a normal way. The discourse also speaks of joy despite problems and difficulties which likewise reaches the Essence and has a positive effect on Nature and existence as a whole. The discourse is a striking statement of the spiritual power of the individual.