Of Lions and Children

The Medrash relates that during the Flood, Noach was once delayed when bringing food for the lion in the Teiva, and the lion attacked him because of that.

Rashi adds that this is what the Posuk means, “A Tzadik receives his ‘payment’ in this world”.

Did Noach really deserve such a punishment? Certainly, having been charged with the enormous and heroic task of caring for the survival of all the species, Noach should have been afforded a bit more consideration!

One of the answers given is especially relevant to parents and educators.

Of all the lions that lived in the world before the Flood, Hashem chose two that would survive and repopulate the lion dynasty after the Mabul.

If Noach would have realized the enormity of his responsibility: caring for The Lion that Hashem chose to repopulate the lion dynasty after the Flood, he would have been more scrupulous in caring for its needs.

True, Noach was busy, and yes, the work was difficult, but he was not allowed to let his hardships compromise his Avodah.

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We have been charged with the awesome responsibility and privilege of caring for The Children that Hashem chose to be at the front-lines when greeting Moshiach. We were blessed with the task of raising these holy children, and ensuring their survival through the final darkest moments of Galus.

Let us Daven that Hashem give us the Koach and Brochos for the necessary means to fulfill our responsibility to the fullest.

May we merit greeting Moshiach and proudly proclaiming ראו גידולים שגידלנו.