Torah Minute by Rabbi Bakshi: What Are Your True Offsprings?

This week, in Parshat Noach, we learn about Noach and the Great Flood. The Torah begins with the verse, “These are the offsprings of Noach.” But instead of listing his children right away, it says, “Noach was a righteous man, perfect in his generation, and he walked with G-d.” The question is: if the verse begins by speaking about Noach’s offsprings, why doesn’t it immediately mention his sons — Shem, Cham, and Yefet? Why start by describing Noach himself? The answer is that the Torah is teaching us a deep lesson: a person’s true offspring are not only their biological children, but also their deeds — their good actions and the positive influence they bring into the world. Noach’s righteousness was, in itself, part of his legacy. The lesson for us: it’s not only about raising children, but about raising ourselves — ensuring that our actions reflect goodness and holiness. Because our greatest “offspring” are the mitzvot and good deeds that live on long after us. #TorahMinute #Parsha #Hashem #Chabad #JewishWoodbridge #RabbiBakshi #Noach #Noa #righteousness #gooddeeds