Rabbi Shimon taught, The nature of a tzaddik is that he is hard to upset and easily calms down. This attribute is the best of all attibutes. The verse teaches us, “Eleh toldos Noach —These are the generations of Noach.” He was noach, pleasant, in his opinions; he was pleasant in his speech; he was pleasant in his ways! Such a person is an “ish tzaddik—a righteous man.” When he passes away, they will say about him, “Where is the humble one? Where is the pious one?” “Tamim hayah bedorosav —He was perfect in his generations!” What will he merit? “Es HaElokim his’halech Noach —Noach walked with
...more
