How can the world be filled with good and evil? In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Noach, the Torah discusses the Great Flood. But why did this flood happen? Because the people in that generation did not treat each other with kindness and respect.  G-d brought the flood on them to teach them a lesson that a society without these important values cannot survive. In present times, we often see new headlines filled with attacks of hatred towards people. It can be so hard to resist being swept up in that hate, we must always see the good in others to prevent that hatred infecting us as well.  We must start with treating others with respect. We need to find love through all the hate and truly recognize each other as human. We all make mistakes and we are all not perfect, but we can try to be good. 

The best way to make good in the world is to be the change you want to see. So, compliment a stranger, bring flowers to a struggling friend, call a family member, or even forgive someone who has wronged you. The most powerful thing that we can do is forgive, since it takes hatred out of our actions. As we look at the next few months, try to fill the world with more love and less hatred.

Shabbat Shalom,
Zelda Stebbins
Fort Collins BBYO #5396 - Rocky Mountain Region #25

__________

Simchat Torah Challenge Podcast Series

Interested in listening to this week's parsha? Check out BBYO Balkan's take on Parshat Noach as a part of the Simchat Torah Challenge Podcast Series. The Simchat Torah Challenge is a yearlong journey where teens from around the Order are exploring the Torah, one parsha at a time. Teens are connecting with the text, sharing their thoughts, and exploring how it relates to their own lives.