The weekly Torah portion of Noach carries a message of both renewal and unwavering commitment, instructing us on the demands of a Jewish nation steadfast in its dedication to its land and faith. As we read this portion, we must consider how its teachings echo throughout history and resonate with the modern imperative of Religious Zionism—a Zionism grounded not in political theory, but in the Divine command of the Torah itself. This is a Zionism that calls for vigilance and an unbreakable stance in the face of existential threats, particularly the persistent danger posed by Iran.
Parsha Noach begins with an unmistakable call to righteousness amid a world of corruption. Noach (Noah) is described as “a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noach walked with HKBH” (Bereshit 6:9). In a society overwhelmed with violence and moral decay, Noach alone preserved his integrity, and through him, HKBH brought renewal. Like Noach, the Jewish people have been chosen to bear a unique responsibility. We are called to be a “light unto the nations” (Yishahu 49:6), a people who uphold justice, morality, and truth. But just as Noach had to act to fulfill HKBH’s command, so must we. Standing idle while forces such as Iran openly call for the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people is a dereliction of that Divine mandate.
The flood, known in Hebrew as the mabul, was not merely a natural disaster—it was a Divine response to unchecked evil. HKBH recognized that if humanity’s corruption remained unchecked, all would be lost. He instructed Noach to build an ark and thereby establish a new foundation upon which the world could be rebuilt. Today, we as the Jewish people are in a similar position. We have seen the attempts to destroy Israel and the Jewish people. Whether from Persia in ancient times, Nazi Germany in the last century, or Iran today, the threat remains. The Torah teaches us that we are obligated to respond with clarity and strength.
Religious Zionism is not simply about settling a piece of land; it is about fulfilling HKBH’s promise to His people. The Land of Israel is not a “homeland” like any other—it is the eternal inheritance given by HKBH to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Bereshit 12:7, 15:18-21). To forsake the land is to forsake our Divine purpose. In Bereshit 9:1, HKBH commands Noach and his descendants, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” This command carries a specific call to establish and sanctify space, to bring HKBHliness into the physical world. For the Jewish people, that space is the Land of Israel, and Religious Zionism demands that we uphold that sanctity through strength and sovereignty.
Religious Zionism insists that we establish Israel not as a secular state but as a Jewish state, reflecting Torah values and the commandments. As a Rabbi of note said, “The State of Israel will either be a holy state or it will not be.” There is no compromise here. Every inch of the land we cede, every concession we make, every delay in dealing with those who seek our destruction, is a rejection of the Torah and of HKBH’s promise.
Iran represents a modern incarnation of Amalek, the ancient enemy of Israel who sought to destroy us without cause. From Haman in the Persian Empire to the current regime in Iran, our enemies have made their intent clear. In Parsha Noach, the world is cleansed of evil through the mabul, and this teaches us that evil, when it rises to threaten the righteous, must be confronted. We cannot merely hope for peace with those who declare their hatred of Israel; we must actively ensure our survival, just as Noach took action to protect his family and build the ark.
The Torah makes clear that certain elements of evil cannot be compromised with but must be eradicated. If Noach had ignored HKBH’s command to build the ark, he would have been swept away with the rest. Today, Israel must take preemptive measures to protect itself. This is not a question of “war-mongering” or “extremism,” but of self-defense, survival, and fulfilling our obligation as Jews.
Proverbs 24:11-12 teaches, “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Behold, we did not know this,’ does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Ignoring Iran’s threats or delaying action is to turn a blind eye to the lessons of the Torah. Iran’s leaders have publicly, repeatedly, and with increasing frequency, called for the annihilation of Israel. To ignore their declarations is to fail in our duty, not only to ourselves but to the entire Jewish people.
The ark in Noach’s time was a tangible structure, a sanctuary from the destruction outside. Today, Israel itself must be that ark for the Jewish people, a place of refuge, strength, and purpose. However, just as Noach did not merely pray but acted, we too must not only pray for peace but take decisive steps to secure our safety.
A Religious Zionist vision for Israel is one that upholds the commandment to settle the land, to defend our people, and to remain vigilant against those who would seek our destruction. We are charged to not only physically protect Israel but also to instill a sense of holiness and purpose within it. This vision refuses to compromise with those who deny our right to exist, our right to protect ourselves, and our right to fulfill the destiny that HKBH has placed upon us. Just as Noach obeyed HKBH’s command without question, we too are obligated to defend the sanctity of our nation, our land, and our people.
The lessons of Parsha Noach are clear. They call for action, for courage, and for an unyielding commitment to our purpose. In a world where threats continue to gather, where Israel’s very existence is challenged by those who desire to destroy it, we must remain vigilant and strong. Religious Zionism, rooted in the Torah and the Divine command, requires us to uphold the sanctity of our land and to protect it with everything we have. There is no room for compromise, no place for weakness, and no time to delay.
This is our mandate, and this is our destiny.