Each year, The Ark shares reflections on Parshat Noach, the inspiration behind our name and a reminder of the resilience and care we strive to offer our community. This year, we are honored to continue this tradition with insights from two of our esteemed staff members.

Caring Beyond Ourselves: Insights from Rabbi Shaya Hauptman, Assistant Rabbi

Parshat Noach presents a narrative of upheaval and renewal—a world submerged in chaos, with Noah tasked to preserve the seeds of a future society within the confines of the teivah, the ark. This moment in history wasn’t just about surviving the mabul, the flood; it’s a profound lesson in responsibility, leadership, and the potential to shape the future. 

Noah is described as a righteous man in his generation, someone who “walked with G-d” (Gen 6:9). Faced with widespread corruption, he constructed the ark according to divine instruction, safeguarding his family and representatives of all living creatures. The ark became a microcosm of a new beginning—a vessel where life was sustained and prepared to emerge into a waiting world. 

Fast forward to our times, many individuals and families face their own personal floods—challenges that threaten their stability and well-being. The question arises: how can we, as a community, create our own “arks” to support those in need? How can we ensure that we’re not only focused on our own survival but are actively helping others navigate their storms? 

This is where The Ark—a cornerstone of the Chicagoland Jewish community—steps in. Rooted in Jewish values and laws, The Ark is dedicated to creating pathways for individuals and families to achieve self-reliance. By addressing vital human needs with compassion and dignity, The Ark serves as a modern embodiment of the principles we glean from Parshat Noach. 

The Mishnah in tractate Sanhedrin (4:5) teaches: “One who saves a single life of Israel is considered to have saved the entire world.” This profound statement illustrates the ripple effect of our actions. Just as Noah’s work saved not only his family but allowed the world to begin anew, every person aided by The Ark represents not just an individual uplifted, but a world of possibilities restored—a family strengthened, a future nurtured within the Jewish community of Chicago and its surrounding areas. 

Noah, despite the opposition and criticism he faced, remained committed to the welfare of both his family and all of humanity. He deeply cared for all those around him, urging them to change their ways and join him in building a better future. This reflects the Jewish principle of kavod habriyot—respect for the dignity of every human being. Noah’s compassion wasn’t constrained by the mistakes of those around him; instead, it extended to the potential he saw in them and the future they could create. Similarly, The Ark supports individuals not just in achieving their goals, but in recognizing and building upon their inherent potential. By affirming each person’s self-worth, we empower them to build on their strengths and move toward even greater success. Whether in small or significant ways, The Ark is there to offer that support, helping people move forward with dignity and a reinforced sense of purpose.  

As we reflect on Parshat Noach, we’re reminded of the power of compassion and the difference it makes when we extend our concern beyond ourselves. The Ark exemplifies this by not only providing essential services but also fostering a community where everyone is invested in the well-being of others. Whether it’s a professional offering expertise, a volunteer giving time, or a donor contributing resources—all become an integral part of this life-affirming work. Together, we can help ensure that those facing challenges don’t have to navigate them alone, but are supported by a community that cares deeply for their success. 

By embracing this mission, we answer the call to action inherent in our tradition. We transform the lessons of Parshat Noach into tangible outcomes, building an “ark” that fortifies the future of the Jewish people in Chicago. Let us remember that when we save a single life, we save an entire world. Through The Ark, we have the opportunity to impact countless worlds, strengthening our community one person and one family at a time. 

Finding Hope in Challenging Times: Thoughts from Judy Jury, Volunteer and Education Coordinator

Turning on the news for just a few minutes can be disheartening, with an overwhelming display of corruption, hatred, and violence surrounding us. How do we navigate each day under such weight? Fortunately, we have Noah as a model of resilience and hope in a world of chaos. While not perfect, he stood “blameless in his age” (Gen 6:9) during a time when “the earth was filled with lawlessness” (Gen 6:11, 13). Following G-d’s instructions, Noah built the ark and gathered his family, seven pairs of each kosher animal, a single pair of every other species, and boarded the ark. For a year, the ark served as a sanctuary with Noah and his family shouldering the vital responsibility of caring for the animals. Eventually, the rain stopped, the land dried up, and the earth began to spring forth vegetation. Noah knew that the land was able to again sustain life, so they all disembarked into a transformed world. 

The story of Noah reminds us that even in the darkest times, we have the capacity to be a light for others. It encourages us to remain hopeful and act with purpose, no matter how daunting our surroundings may seem. His example shows us the importance of taking responsibility for the well-being of those around us and creating spaces where life can thrive. It reminds us that showing compassion for one another helps to create a transformed world that flourishes. 

The Ark embodies these same principles as it cares for and serves as a refuge for 5,000 members of the community navigating the floods of financial and health challenges. Through the combined efforts of donors, staff, volunteers, and community partners, The Ark helps support those needing to regain stability and hope and provides a vital safety net for those caught in the undertow of life’s stormy seas. 

May this be the year each of us is able to be someone’s refuge, and may others be there for us when we need support.