This week’s parsha, Parashat Noach, tells the story that has become known as Noah’s Ark. In short, Noah builds an ark to protect himself, his family and two of each animal from an impending flood, which G-d warns him is coming due to all of the corruption in the world.

After many, many days of rain and flooding, Noah opens the ark. First, a raven flies out. Then weeks later, a dove flies out. It is when the dove returns with an olive branch that Noah begins to realize the floods are ending, and soon after, everyone will be able to leave the ark and move freely upon the earth.

One could interpret the olive branch as a sign of peace from G-d letting Noah know that the storm will soon clear and the earth will be safe again. It was that small gesture, that small meaningful symbol, that led to a more peaceful life for all on the ark. Today, the olive branch is still a symbol for peace or an offer of reconciliation.

Right now, the world is going through a tough time. Every time I turn on the news or read the latest headlines, I often see stories filled with darkness, hatred and violence. There are significantly fewer stories of hope and happiness.

It is as if the world is experiencing the floods, and we are all waiting on the ark for the storm to clear, for that dove to come flying in with an olive branch. While we have to endure this now, I hope that the dove will arrive soon and bring brighter days. I hope that all of the people of Israel will learn to live in peace. I hope the United States will soon be free of university and community shootings. I hope that women and girls around the world will find power in going to school and living independently.

As we wait for the day when those things will come, we can make an effort in our daily lives to ensure that we are sharing our own olive branches. We can speak up and make our voices heard. We can stand up for our beliefs. We can make peace with individuals in our own communities. We can educate ourselves on important issues. I truly believe that a little action can go a long way in achieving a more peaceful world. I hope that you do, too.

Shabbat shalom,

Jamie

Jamie Weiss 

Assistant Director, NWP

jamie.weiss@jewishfederations.org