Torah Portion Noach/Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan – Renewal, Obedience, and God’s Grace
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Torah: Genesis 1:1-6:8
Haftarah: Isaiah 42:5-21
Besorah: John 1:1-18
Tishrei 24, 5785 | October 26, 2024
Shalom Chaverim (Friends)!
This week’s Torah portion, Noach, along with the readings for Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan (the new month of Cheshvan), offers a chance to look deeply at the themes of renewal, obedience, and God’s grace. As we read about Noah’s life and how he “walked with God,” we’re reminded that, like him, we aren’t called to be perfect—only faithful to God’s path, even when those around us may not be.
Let’s dive into these readings and see how the story of Noah, along with the messages of Isaiah and John, shape our understanding of what it means to live righteously in our own time.
You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!
Torah Portion Noach (Genesis 6:9–11:32); Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan (Numbers 28:9-15)
Understanding the Portion
The story of Noah opens with a powerful introduction:
“Noah was a righteous man. He was blameless among his generation. Noah continually walked with God.”
Genesis 6:9, tlv
Now, this doesn’t mean Noah was perfect. In fact, his family line was far from spotless. But Noah stood out as righteous compared to others at that time, a reminder that God doesn’t demand perfection from us—just obedience and a sincere heart.
In a world filled with corruption, violence, and sin, Noah chose to walk with God. He was willing to follow God’s instructions to build an ark, even though the task must have seemed strange, daunting, and likely opened him up to ridicule from his neighbors. This kind of obedience is about trusting in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it fully.
After the flood, Noah’s first act was to build an altar and offer sacrifices to God, and in response, God made a covenant with him, symbolized by the rainbow. This sign of renewal and promise reminds us that God has not abandoned us, even after times of judgment or hardship.
With the additional reading from Numbers 28:9-15 for Rosh Chodesh, we’re reminded of the offerings made to mark the beginning of each month. Like Noah’s sacrifice after the flood, these offerings symbolize new beginnings, dedicating our lives afresh to God’s purposes.
A Little Nugget: Righteous in His Generation
The phrase that Noah was “righteous in his generation” offers us a lot of insight. In Hebrew, the word tzedek (צֶדֶק) means righteous or just, but Noah’s righteousness was unique because it stood out in contrast to his surroundings. He wasn’t held to an impossible standard of perfection. Instead, he was called to be faithful and obedient to God’s will in his own time.
In fact, sages have said that if he had lived in the time of Abraham, his righteousness might not have been as noteworthy in comparison to those like Abraham. This interpretation suggests that Noah’s morality was significant in comparison to the wickedness around him, but perhaps not in an absolute sense.
This is a comforting thought for us, too. God doesn’t expect us to be flawless; rather, He calls us to be faithful in our time, in our circumstances. Walking with God, like Noah, means taking each step in trust, even when we don’t have all the answers.
Application: Renewal Through Faithfulness
As we step into Cheshvan, a month that traditionally has no major holidays, we enter a season that feels quieter and simpler. It’s a perfect time to consider our own “ark-building” moments—the ways we can follow God’s instructions in our lives, even when they may feel challenging or misunderstood by others.
How are you called to renew your commitment to God in this season? Like Noah, we don’t need to be perfect to answer God’s call. We just need to keep moving forward, one step at a time, trusting that God will guide us.
Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-24
Understanding the Portion
In Isaiah, God speaks through the prophet about true worship versus empty rituals. God reminds His people that while they might build beautiful temples, what He desires most is a humble heart:
“To this one I will look, to one humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word”
Isaiah 66:2, TLV
This message connects well with Noah’s story, where obedience mattered more than appearance or status. Just as Noah built the ark out of obedience, we’re called to follow God’s word sincerely, rather than getting caught up in outward appearances or rituals. God cares more about authentic worship and a heart that seeks Him.
Isaiah’s words also include a promise that God will bring comfort to His people, even in times of challenge. Like the rainbow after the flood, this reminder from Isaiah tells us that God’s compassion is steadfast and His promises are true.
A Little Nugget: Humility as True Worship
The Hebrew word for humility, anavah (עֲנָוָה), reflects the idea of recognizing our place before God, knowing that He alone is sovereign. Just as Noah humbly followed God’s direction, even when it seemed unconventional, we, too, are called to serve God from a place of humility and trust.
Application: Embracing Humility and Obedience
Isaiah’s message encourages us to examine the motives behind our worship. Are we seeking God with sincerity, or are we simply going through the motions? Like Noah, we’re invited to let go of appearances and focus on what really matters—a heart that truly seeks God. In this month of Cheshvan, reflect on how you can bring more humility and authenticity into your relationship with God.
Besorah: John 1:19-34
Understanding the Portion
In the Gospel reading, John the Immerser (John the Baptist) introduces Yeshua to the world with humility and reverence:
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29, TLV
John the Immerser shows us that true leadership and faithfulness mean pointing others to God rather than to ourselves. Even with his large following, John recognized that his role was to prepare the way for Yeshua, humbling himself before God’s greater plan.
John’s message to his followers mirrors the call of Noah and Isaiah—to place God’s mission above personal pride or recognition. John exemplified obedience and humility, pointing to Yeshua as the one who would fulfill God’s plan of salvation.
A Little Nugget: The Lamb of God
The phrase “Lamb of God” (שֵׂה הָאֱלֹהִים – seh ha’Elohim) reflects the sacrificial system of the Torah, where a lamb was offered for atonement. In calling Yeshua the Lamb of God, John connects Him to the sacrificial offerings Noah made after the flood. Yeshua, as the ultimate offering, brings a new kind of renewal and hope for all who follow Him.
Application: Pointing Others to God
John’s example challenges us to consider our role as God’s representatives. Are we using our lives to direct others toward Him? In what ways can we, like John, point others to Yeshua? This week, think about how your words, actions, and relationships can reflect God’s love and light to those around you.
Connecting the Readings: Renewal Through Humility and Obedience
In each of these readings, we see that renewal doesn’t come from perfection but from a willing heart. Noah, Isaiah, and John the Immerser all demonstrate that obedience and humility are at the heart of walking with God. They teach us that God honors those who seek Him with an open heart and a sincere desire to follow His ways.
1. Renewal in Simplicity
- The quiet month of Cheshvan, with its absence of major holidays, invites us into a space of reflection and renewal, just as Noah entered a new world after the flood. Use this time to seek renewal in your relationship with God.
2. Embracing Humility
- Noah and John show us that humility before God is more valuable than outward displays. Reflect on how you can bring humility into your worship and relationship with God, setting aside pride to allow for deeper, more genuine worship.
3. Being a Light for Others
- Just as John pointed others to Yeshua, consider how you might help others find their way to God through your actions and words. Renewal isn’t just for us but is something we’re called to share with the world around us.
Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom! I pray that this new month and the story of Noah remind us to walk humbly with God, seeking renewal through our faith and obedience. 🌿
For a printable version of this portion along with study and reflection questions, follow the link below!
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Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.
About Our Author
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer, wife, and mom, as well as a proud bulldog mom. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies at seminary, deepening her passion for Scripture and Jewish history. Diane writes with a heart to connect the rich traditions of her Jewish heritage with her faith in Yeshua, offering insights that inspire believers to grow in their walk with God. When she’s not studying or writing, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crochet.