23 Oct MTC Highlights: Parshat Noach
Nati Lapukhin - Eim Bayit
This week’s parsha, Parashat Noach, tells the famous story of Noach and the תֵּבָה. The Torah describes Noach as “אִישׁ צַדִּיק תָּמִים הָיָה בְּדֹרֹתָיו” — “a righteous man, perfect in his generation.” But this pasuk makes us wonder — why does it say, “in his generation”? Was Noach only righteous compared to the people around him, or was he actually great? Chazal teaches us that this phrase actually shows Noach’s real strength. When the whole world was filled with corruption and violence, Noach still chose to live with אמונה and integrity. He didn’t let the darkness of his generation change who he was. That’s not easy, sometimes it’s even harder to stay good when everyone around you isn’t. But Noach shows us that one person’s quiet strength can save an entire world.
After the מבול, Noach didn’t just survive, he rebuilt! He stepped out of the תֵּבָה and started planting, creating, and starting again. And that’s such a beautiful message for us. We all have moments that feel like floods, right? Times when things feel confusing or overwhelming. The Torah shows us in our own way to build our own תֵּבָה, a space of holiness, and connection to Hashem that keeps us steady when the world feels a little too shaky. And when the storm passes, our job isn’t just to go back to normal, it’s to grow and rebuild.
Just like Noach, עם ישראל has shown again and again how strong we are. Even after hardship and pain, we rise and rebuild. May we continue to follow Noach’s example, having אמונה even in the hardest times, and may we always keep growing!
שבת שלום!
Student Reflection
Zahava Bekritsky - SKA, NY - Oceanside, NY
It’s hard to believe how much has happened in just over a month at MTC. Working in the Pnimyat Yom with the 8 to 11 year-olds has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience so far. One of my favorite memories was a pre-Shabbos party we had together. We sang songs and ate shabbos treats together and it was really special just being present with the kids. Even something as simple as playing outside with them has helped build real connections.
Something I’ve learned since being here is that showing up every single day matters. Connection doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built slowly, through consistency, patience, and being present even when it’s hard. Every day brings something new, and with that comes new opportunities to learn about the kids, about myself, and about the impact we can have just by being there.
Outside of the time with the kids, I’ve been really enjoying my learning — especially Mesilat Yesharim. The ideas we’re learning push me to reflect on who I want to be and how I interact with others. The balance between the learning and the chessed we do here is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
Being at MTC has already given me so much — growth, connections, and amazing learning. I’m excited to keep learning, keep showing up, and see what the rest of the year brings!
