Yaakov Hibbert Presents…Staples

After Noach emerges from the Ark we read the most shameful event through which Noach was humiliated. The story begins with, “and Noach the man of the earth debased himself [Va’yo’chel] and planted a vineyard. He drank of the wine and became drunk, and he uncovered himself within his tent”.

The opening word “Va’yo’chel” is subject to much debate amongst the commentators as to its accurate translation. Some explain that it means that the first thing he did was plant a vineyard. However seeing as we are not told of a secondary act to this ‘first act’, Rashi prefers to explain “Va’yo’chel” differently. He notes, “He made himself profane for he should first have engaged in a different sort of planting”. According to Rashi the word is related to the word “Chullin” – mundane, and “Chol” – secular.

RaMBaN though, explains much like the first explanation; but not that this was the first thing he did but that this was a new starting. What was this new invention? “He planted a vineyard” says the verse. Previously one only planted a single vine in order to make wine, what Noach did was new in that he was the inventor of the vineyard – an entire plantation dedicated to wine production, rows and rows of vines.

Three different explanations; the first thing he did, he debased himself, or a start-up project – the invention of the vineyard. Whilst we know that there are many facets to the Torah, we also know that all the various explanations and extrapolations of the Torah are all intrinsically linked, hence the rule “both these and those are the Words of the Living G-d”. It’s not always that we can appreciate how several seemingly different commentaries are actually saying the same thing albeit from a different vantage point. However perhaps we can show how these three are all intertwined to a central idea.

Let us first quote from the Dubner Maggid who gives a parable to help us understand the importance of what Noach was doing.

There was once a saintly Rabbi whose blessings were known to always come true. One day a poor man came to seek a blessing, in the hope that his life would change. The Rabbi blessed him, “Go home, and I bless you that the first activity that you engage in shall be injected with endless bounty. Just be sure you use my blessing wisely!”

The poor man excitedly ran home and as he walked through the door he demanded of his wife to get him the little bag of money that they owned. Taken aback from her husband’s sudden appearance and bold demand she challenged him, “why do you need it?” The husband was infuriated – he just wanted to get on with it, and utilise the Rabbis’ blessing. “Fast, fast just give it to me, no questions!” he shouted not wanting to lose the opportunity to first and foremost make a deal with his meagre bag of coins. Within minutes of coming home a fully fledged argument ensured, and true to the Rabbis blessing, for the rest of their life they lived with the blessing of the Rabbi – in endless squabbles

After the Flood there was a tremendous outpouring of the Attribute of Mercy from Hashem, “I will not continue to curse again the ground because of man… never again shall all flesh be cut off by waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth”. Noach had the opportunity to capitalise on this ‘blessing’. Indeed the Medresh tells us that on the very day that he planted the vineyard it sprouted and grew to its fullest. Also on the very same day he made the wine which immediately matured ready to drink – what tremendous blessing was latent in this first act that Noach engaged in. But alas, it was the wrong choice to begin with!

Let us take a closer look as to why this was such a disastrous choice. Rashi’s wording is vital, “he made himself profane for he should first have engaged in a different sort of planting”. Wine is desirable, but not a staple – it is essentially a luxury. Noach had plenty to plant after the Flood – a whole new world was before him to cultivate, but opted for the luxury ahead of necessity. He made the secondary primary. We all have needs and wants – that’s fine, but when we give priority to our wants ahead of our needs, then we are in trouble. Indeed the fact that this was the ‘first’ thing that he did was precisely why it was ‘profane’ (the first two explanations).

From the RaMBaN we see the exact same root of evil – the pursuing of luxury. Noach had lost his perspective on the frills of life the extras; no he didn’t plant a single vine as had been done till now, he ‘started’ a new trend a revolution in the wine industry – an entire plantation dedicated to the production of a luxury. All three translations of “Va’yo’chel” are pointing one way – forgetting what the staples are and over indulging in the frills of life.

At least every time we pass a Staples shop we must remind ourselves, “where do we dedicate our time, money and effort? On the important staples of life or on the frills?

Good Shabbos,

Yaakov