Sometimes, when in a storm, it is appropriate to batten down the hatches and wait it out. If the storm is prolonged, efforts to maintain high spirits are essential for when the storm subsides and the hatches are once again undone and lifted up.

In this week’s Torah portion, Noach is directed to build an ark in which he, his family and two of every creature will wait out the flood and start a new world when it is over.

The instructions are detailed with the materials and the dimensions clearly stated.

And then this:

Genesis 6:16

צֹ֣הַר ׀תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה לַתֵּבָ֗ה וְאֶל־אַמָּה֙ תְּכַלֶּ֣נָּה מִלְמַ֔עְלָה

Make an opening for daylight in the ark, and terminate it within a cubit of the top.

Ibn Ezra teaches about this verse:

צהר

מקום שיכנס ממנו האור והוא מגזרת צהרים. והוא נעשה למעלה כמשפט ואחר שהיה למעלה

A LIGHT. Tzohar (a light) means an opening through which light would enter. It comes from the same root as tzohorayim (noon).

The tzohar is a skylight, an integral part of the design, which, amidst the storm, allows light to fill the ark.

We are living in a very turbulent time, through a series of storms. Even outside of the current moment, storms are part of the weather system of our lives. Surviving the storms with grace and the agility of heart, mind and spirit requires remembering what is good. Making it through well necessitates a gratitude practice, engaging in activities that bring pleasure and cultivating playfulness. In challenging times, it is so hard to remember that we have access to the skylight. Not only do we need to choose curiosity, prioritize relationships and celebrate abundance, but it is our responsibility to model this behaviour for those who come after us. We make our future in the way we walk through the present moment.

May we help to remind each other of the skylight in our own hearts, in our thinking, in our shared home together at the shul and out in the greater world.

Shabbat shalom.