In the Torah Portion about Noah on 10-21-2023 Shabbat, we can learn much. The specific date of Month 2 Day 17 is mentioned. Curiously, Month 2 Day 10 and Day 11 are not noted. There is mention of 7 days before Month 2 Day 17. This can mean either Day 10 or Day 11. Day 11 was notable since it was the day when Methuselah died. He was a mentor to Noah and lived 969 years. His name means "when he dies it will come." What would come? The rain, then deluge, then global flood. Did Noah have a divine sure word to go on the ark? Or was it simply the event of the death of his older relative and mentor? He died. Thus, Noah understood it was time for the Noah 8 to take the pairs of animals and birds, feed and seed, food for the humans, personal belongings, and themselves on board the ark. The time had arrived.

The immediate tumult began on Month 2 Day 17. Suddenly, like a double danger, above from the rain. Below as well. Why? It was because "the waters of the deep were released." Did some people die by drowning on the first of 40 days and nights of rain? One can argue yes. There were sudden deaths from drowning, just on the first day of chaos. Within the Noah narratives in Genesis were 2 days important for Division and Separation, of the Noah 8 few from the many, of all other people. The earlier day was Day 10 or 11. Then later, The Set Apart People, the Noah 8, were ready to take The Escape on Day 17. The Ark of Escape. In the Scriptures the number 17 is symbolic of Victory!

   Let us remember the mindset of the many people in the Days of Noah. Take notice of the prevalent belief in the continuity of normal circumstances. My life will go on as it always has. Tomorrow will be the same as today. My thanks to Gino for appreciating my earlier post about Month 2, Day 10. I love the way you ask interesting questions in your posts!

With Love and Shalom,

Jean