Parashat Noach: The Bible and Hamas: Light vs. Darkness

In the exploration of Parashat Noach, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik delves into the profound symbolism of the rainbow as a divine covenant and a testament to humanity's potential for redemption. The Hebrew word "hamas," meaning violence, is intricately linked to the narrative of the flood, highlighting the destructive force of zeal and oppression that once filled the earth. Yet, amidst this darkness, the rainbow emerges as a beacon of hope, symbolizing God's faith in humanity's capacity for moral growth. This natural phenomenon, created by the refraction of sunlight through water droplets, serves as a reminder of the divine promise that the world will not be destroyed again, despite the persistence of evil.