Noach gave birth to three sons: Sheim, Cham, and Yefes (Bereshis 6:10)

In Parshas Bereshis, we learn Noach was 500 years old when he gave birth to his first son. Imagine living 500 years without having any children! It is true that Noach did live a long life after giving birth to his children, but everyone else in that generation was giving birth in their 100s. It seems like Noach should have been upset or depressed.

Rashi explains there was a very good reason Noach needed to wait so long to have children. Hashem knew Noach would survive the Flood that destroyed the world, which would come when Noach was 600 years old. Since Noach’s children would be under 100 years old when the Flood came, they would not be judged (during that time, those under 100 years old were not punished for their crimes). If Noach started having children at a younger age and his children turned out to be wicked, then this would depress Noach watching his children die in the Flood. If his children were righteous and he started having children earlier, it is very likely he would have had more than 3 children and these children would have had children and grandchildren. Noach would have needed to build many boats to save all of his family, which would have been a lot of manual labor. Therefore, Hashem delayed Noach from having children as a chesed.

During Sukkos, I went through a very difficult experience in my life. In the middle of this experience, I asked my Rav for advice and he said, “You never know – this may be for the best.” This is the way we need to look at every moment of our lives, especially when we are going through difficult times.

I learned another lesson from my difficult experience, which is something that can help us deal with hard times in our lives. When I discussed my situation with others, numerous of them mentioned how they went through a similar experience. This greatly helped me as it showed me I was not alone.

For a long time I wondered why we say to mourners, “May G-d comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.” Why mention there are other mourners – wouldn’t that upset the person to know many other people are also suffering? The answer is this actually comforts him. Of course, we do not wish others suffering, but when we hear we are not alone, it is comforting. Others have gone through this situation and it turned out for the best; we too can get through this situation and everything will turn out for the best.

Whenever we go through difficulties, we should always remember that Noach went 500 years without children. Hashem made it this way, though, because that was what was best for him.

Good Shabbos!
-yes
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