1. The Meaning of “Tzohar Ta’aseh LaTeivah”
The Torah instructs Noach to build the teivah—the ark—and in verse 16 it says, “Tzohar ta’aseh lateivah” (Bereishis 6:16)—you should make a light for the ark. The word tzohar is interpreted in different ways. Rashi brings two main explanations: one is that it refers to a window, and the other is that it refers to a precious stone that provided light inside the ark. There is also a third interpretation from other commentators who say that tzohar means oil, since oil produces light, and Hashem told Noach to bring oil so they could light candles.
2. Challenges with the Interpretations
Each interpretation presents its own difficulties. If tzohar means a window, Rashi notes later that during the time of the mabul—the flood—the sun, moon, and all luminaries did not function. If there was no natural light outside, what use would a window be? Additionally, considering the size of the ark—about 450 feet long and three stories high—how could one window (as implied by the singular language of tzohar) suffice for such a large structure? Similarly, if it was a precious stone, could one stone really provide enough light for the entire ark? Rashi is compelled to say “window” because of the singular form in the verse, but both options seem problematic.
3. The Rebbe’s Approach: Common Sense and Additional Meaning
The Rebbe explains that Noach was not instructed about every single detail of building the ark. Some things were left to his common sense—for example, having a cover on top of the ark is not explicitly mentioned at first but is referenced later when it says Noach removed the cover. These are basic necessities that anyone building a boat would understand on their own. Therefore, when Hashem tells Noach to make a tzohar, it must be something beyond just basic lighting or ventilation. The Torah is hinting at something additional or special here.
4. Was There Both a Window and a Precious Stone?
Later verses confirm there was indeed a window in the ark—Noach opens it to send out the pigeon. This suggests that even according to those who interpret tzohar as a precious stone, they do not deny there was also an actual window present for practical purposes like looking out or navigation. The debate centers on whether tzohar specifically refers to this window or to something else entirely.
5. Practicality of Light Sources in the Ark
The Rebbe points out that during the 40 days of the flood itself, natural light sources did not function, so any window would have been ineffective then. However, after those 40 days, sunlight could have come through again and been useful for those remaining months in the ark. As for the precious stone interpretation: if such a stone gave off light, it could be moved around as needed—much like carrying a candle from place to place within the ark.
6. Why Rashi Prefers “Window”
Despite these considerations, Rashi prefers interpreting tzohar as a window because it fits better with the idea of something built into and part of the structure of the ark itself—not just an accessory like candles or stones that can be carried around.
7. Spiritual Lesson: The Baal Shem Tov’s Teaching
On a deeper level, we learn from this episode that while floodwaters threatened to destroy physical existence during Noach’s time, salvation came through entering the ark—the teivah. The Baal Shem Tov teaches that teivah, which literally means “ark,” also means “word.” He explains that just as Noach found refuge in the physical ark from destructive waters, so too can Jews find spiritual refuge from life’s storms by immersing themselves in words—specifically words of Torah study (Torah) and prayer (tefillah). These words create an environment of protection against distractions and challenges.
8. Contemporary Relevance: Seeking Protection Today
Especially in times when we hear about tragedies or dangers affecting our people—whether in Israel or elsewhere—we are reminded how much we need Hashem’s protection. Our response should be to increase our intensity and focus (kavanah) in davening and learning Torah so that these words truly become our shelter against all harm. Through this dedication, may Hashem protect us from all enemies and bring us Moshiach speedily in our days.