Noach or Avraham

There is a classic question asked about Noach. Why did the Torah have to tell us that he was righteous “in his generation.”

Some interpret this to mean that his righteousness would have shined through regardless of when he lived, But another interpretation states that he would not have been anything special had he lived in a different generation like that of Avraham Avinu. The Prophet Isaiah referred to the flood as מי נח, “the waters of Noach.”

This was an implication that Noach was actually responsible for the flood. Herein, we see the basic difference between Noach and Avraham Avinu.

When it became necessary for Hashem to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gemorra, He needed to explain to Avraham why he had no choice. Despite the fact that there were no righteous people in these cities, Avraham diligently pleaded their case. Perhaps, somehow, even ten righteous people could be found.

We do not see any indication that Noach did anything to try and save the other people of his generation. He was only concerned with saving himself and his family.

A true Tzaddik cares deeply about the Klal, other Jews. He will fervently pray for the welfare of every Jew everywhere.

This is why some sages felt that Noach wasn’t even in the same league with Avraham Avinu. In his generation, he was considered righteous. But he would not have looked that way had he lived in the generation of Avraham Avinu.