We all know the story: the animals, the flood, the rainbow. But what about the after the flood? What was Noah thinking, feeling? Did he get everything right?
Well, according to some fascinating traditions, not quite.
The story goes that after the floodwaters receded, Noah knew he had to make things right with God. He understood, perhaps belatedly, that he’d been guilty of folly. He needed to propitiate God, to offer a sacrifice and acknowledge his failing. And so he did.
God, in turn, accepted the offering with favor. That’s why, the tradition says, Noah is called by his very name – a name suggesting peace, comfort, and acceptance.
But here's a twist. The sacrifice wasn't actually offered by Noah himself. Instead, it was his son Shem who performed the priestly duties. Why? What kept Noah from fulfilling this sacred task?
Now, this is where the story gets interesting. According to Legends of the Jews, as retold by Ginzberg, there was a very specific reason. One day, while they were all crammed together in the ark, Noah forgot to feed the lion! Can you imagine? With all those animals to care for, it must have been quite the undertaking.
Well, the hungry lion wasn't too pleased. He lashed out, striking Noah a blow so violent with his paw that Noah was left lame for the rest of his life. A physical blemish, a mum (מּוּם), as it's known in Hebrew.
And according to Jewish law, someone with a significant bodily defect was not permitted to perform the sacred duties of a priest. This isn't about judging Noah, but about the stringent requirements for those serving in the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple.
So, there you have it. A fascinating little detail that adds a whole new layer to the Noah story. It reminds us that even the most righteous figures in the Bible were still human, still fallible. And that sometimes, even a forgotten meal can have lasting consequences.