Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Noah wait 40 days before opening the window of the ark?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 8:6), the 40 days correspond to the duration of the heavy rains that caused the flood. Noah waited this period to ensure the rains had completely stopped before opening the window to assess the situation outside.
Q: What is the significance of the window Noah made in the ark?
A: The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 31:11) explains that the window (חַלּוֹן) was designed to let in light and air, showing Noah's wisdom in planning for the ark's inhabitants' needs. Some commentaries suggest it also served as a means to send out the raven and dove later in the narrative.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Noah 'made' the window when the whole ark was his making?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) notes this emphasizes Noah's personal involvement in every detail. Ramban explains it highlights that this window was specially designed by Noah, perhaps different from Hashem's original instructions, showing his initiative in improving living conditions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Noah opening the ark's window after the flood?
A: The Malbim teaches this demonstrates the Jewish value of patience - Noah waited the full 40 days rather than acting impulsively. Additionally, it models careful observation of nature's patterns before making important decisions, a principle applicable in many areas of life.
Q: Was the 40-day period significant in other parts of the Torah?
A: Yes, our Sages note that 40 days is a recurring timeframe for transformation. Moshe spent 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving the Torah (Exodus 24:18), and there are 40 days between conception and formation of a fetus (Talmud, Sanhedrin 99b). Here it marks the transition from destruction to renewal.
The Significance of Forty Days
Rashi (Bereshit 8:6) explains that the forty days mentioned here correspond to the forty days of the mabul (flood) when the rains fell continuously. This period marks a complete cycle of judgment and purification. The number forty is significant in Torah, often representing a time of transition or transformation (e.g., Moshe on Har Sinai for forty days, the spies' forty-day mission). Here, it signifies the end of the destructive phase of the flood and the beginning of renewal.
Noach's Window: A Symbol of Hope
The chalon (window) that Noach opened is interpreted in multiple ways by our sages:
This act of opening the window demonstrates Noach's faith—he actively sought to understand Hashem's plan rather than passively waiting.
The Window "Which He Had Made"
The phrase "asher asah" (which he had made) is emphasized by Chizkuni, who explains that Noach showed wisdom in constructing the ark exactly as commanded. The Sforno adds that this detail highlights Noach's complete adherence to divine instruction, a model of bitachon (trust in Hashem) even in dire circumstances.
Lessons from Noach's Actions
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) derives from this verse that righteous individuals like Noach are mindful of all creatures, as his first concern after the flood was to assess the world's condition. This teaches the importance of: