“These are the progeny of Noach. Noach was a righteous man,
flawless in his generation.”
Bereshis 6:9
“These are the progeny of Noach. Since [the text]
mentions him, it tells of his praiseworthiness. As it is written: “The mention
of a righteous person is a blessing.” [1] Another explanation: This teaches
that the main progeny of the righteous are their good deeds.”
Rashi, on Bereshis 6:9
Rashi is prompted to comment by the fact that the Torah
states “These are the progeny of Noach” then comments about Noach’s spiritually
elevated state (“Noach was a righteous man, flawless in his generation”) before
listing his three sons in the following verse.
I understand from Rashi’s comments on this verse that an
advisable course of action, before someone establishes a family, is to first
begin the hard work of establishing his or her own character, goals, and values
– it is that progeny that should come first.
Further, it is natural and commendable that we should pray to
God for the good health and success of our children. This commentary by Rashi
suggests that, if we are on the right path in life, we should pray with equal
if not greater fervor for the success of the causes we hold dear and for the
continued strength to hold fast to those values. Those causes and values can
outlive us and our (hopefully) strong and consistent service to them may serve
as an additional legacy.
1 = Mishlei, 10:7
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