As a result of the moral decay of the generation of the flood in the year 1656BC, H”S flooded the world and destroyed it.
In this Torah portion of “Noah” it is recounted what happened after the land dried up again after a year of the Mabul, and G-d said to Noah and his sons: “I will keep my covenant with you and your descendants… and never again will a flood destroy all life, and there will be no other flood destroying the earth… this is the sign (the rainbow) I am making, testifying to the covenant between Me and you and all living souls, forever.”
So the rainbow is H”S nice way of telling us that He is not so happy with our actions and with this He is remembered of His promise to never again destroy the world.
Therefore when seeing a rainbow, it is appropriate to thank G-d for not making another flood and we say a special blessing: “Baruj Ata A-nai, Elo-einu Melej Haolam, Zojer Haberit Veneeman Vivrito Vekaiam Bemaamaro” ( Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who remembers the Covenant, is faithful to His Covenant , and keeps His promise.”
The Midrash tells of certain generations in which the people were so righteous that no rainbow appeared in their lifetime.
So next time you see a rainbow remember to say the blessing and know that H”S loves us no matter what. The way in which He reminds us of our wrongdoings should be emulated by us when we have to remind someone of of theirs. Strive to do everything in a loving manner making the other feel that it is for their own benefit and not yours .
Live a little higher
