Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Chanokh (Enoch) in the Torah?
A: Chanokh (Enoch) was a righteous man in the lineage of Adam, mentioned in Genesis 5. According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, he was known for his righteousness and closeness to Hashem. Unlike others in his generation, he 'walked with G-d' (Genesis 5:22), which our Sages explain means he devoted himself to serving Hashem with sincerity.
Q: Why is Chanokh's age (65 years) when he fathered Metushelach significant?
A: The Torah lists ages of fathers at the time of their children's births to show the continuity of generations. Rashi notes that Chanokh began his path of repentance and righteousness at this age, which led to his spiritual elevation. This teaches that it's never too late to improve one's ways and serve Hashem properly.
Q: What is the importance of Metushelach (Methuselah) in the Torah?
A: Metushelach became the longest-lived person in the Torah (living 969 years). According to our Sages, his long life was a demonstration of Hashem's patience before bringing the Flood in Noach's time. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) explains that his name hints at this - 'when he dies, it (the Flood) will be sent.'
Q: Why does the Torah list these genealogies in Genesis 5?
A: The Rambam explains that these genealogies establish the authentic transmission of tradition from Adam through the generations. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) teaches that these lists show the importance of each generation in maintaining the covenant with Hashem. They also demonstrate the divine plan unfolding through history.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Chanokh's life?
A: The Midrash teaches that Chanokh's life shows the power of personal transformation. Though he was 65 before beginning his spiritual journey, he achieved great righteousness. This teaches that at any age or stage of life, a person can choose to serve Hashem wholeheartedly. His example encourages us that sincere repentance and devotion are always possible.
Introduction to Ḥanokh (Enoch)
The verse states: "And Ḥanokh lived sixty-five years, and begot Metushelaḥ" (Bereshit 5:21). Ḥanokh is a unique figure in the Torah, described later in the same chapter (5:24) as one who "walked with G-d" and was taken by G-d without experiencing physical death. This sets him apart from the other generations listed in the genealogy of Adam.
Rashi's Commentary on Ḥanokh's Age at Metushelaḥ's Birth
Rashi notes that Ḥanokh was 65 years old when he fathered Metushelaḥ, which is relatively young compared to the other patriarchs in this genealogy (who typically had children at over 100 years old). Rashi explains that Ḥanokh underwent a spiritual transformation at this age, leading him to repent and "walk with G-d." This suggests that the birth of Metushelaḥ marked a turning point in Ḥanokh's life, inspiring him to greater righteousness.
The Significance of Metushelaḥ's Name
The name Metushelaḥ (מְתוּשֶׁלַח) is interpreted in the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 26:3) as having two possible meanings:
Ḥanokh's Unique Fate in Jewish Tradition
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b) discusses Ḥanokh's mysterious departure from the world, stating that he was taken by G-d due to his righteousness. However, some opinions in the Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Bereshit 42) suggest that Ḥanokh was a righteous man who was removed from the world before he could be corrupted by the evil generation of the Flood.
Rambam's Perspective on Ḥanokh
In Moreh Nevuchim (1:52), Rambam explains that Ḥanokh achieved a high level of intellectual and spiritual perfection, meriting his unique departure from the physical world. Unlike Eliyahu (Elijah), who ascended in a whirlwind, Ḥanokh's transition was a quiet elevation, emphasizing his refined character.
Conclusion: Ḥanokh as a Model of Repentance
This verse highlights Ḥanokh's early commitment to righteousness, as his son's birth catalyzed his spiritual growth. Jewish tradition views him as a paradigm of teshuvah (repentance) and closeness to G-d, setting an example for future generations.