Walking with Hashem

I just read this and thought I’d share. Its from the Rabbi Avigdor Series of his teachings.

And Noach walked with Elokim. (4:8)

The word Hit’halech (walked) is reflexive, meaning that Noach exerted effort and caused himself to walk with G-d. The Torah is relating that Noach became very great by “walking with G-d.”

The Torah is our instruction Book to perfecting ourselves. We can achieve greatness through observance of Mitzvot and by studying the ways of Hashem as portrayed in Torah and Nature. We are studying the great model of Noach who “Walked with G-d” and thereby became great.

What was Noach doing during these walks which brought him to this exalted level of Yirat Shamayim (Fear of Hashem) that brought G-d to speak to him?

“And walk secretly [humbly] with Hashem” (Micha 6:8). One way that we can accomplish this high ideal is to Think about Hashem. When you practice this, no one is aware of what you have on your mind therefore it is a secret. Noach was constantly thinking about Hashem which was his system to greatness as revealed to us by the Torah.

We can utilize Noach’s system and become elevated by thinking about Hashem in the following ways:

Contemplate all the good things that we are grateful to Hashem for, including the many times we were saved from all types of situations; or led to successful circumstances.

Notice the wisdom of Hashem in Nature and in the world all around us. Consider the endless Wisdom and Kindliness which demonstrate “plan & purpose” throughout the Universe thereby causing us to have Awareness of Hashem.

Think about the wonders and miracles that Hashem did for the Jewish Nation throughout history. For example: Splitting Yam Suf; Holding up the Sun for Joshua; Being fed by Mann from Heaven…

Now we know a way to become great! (From In the Beginning)

L’ilui nishmas Yaakov ben Menashe