“And Noach began to be a farmer and he planted a vineyard” (Noach 9:20).

Rashi elucidates: The word ”vayachel – he began” can also mean “he defiled himself” for he should have first planted another species. The Sages write that Noach descended in spiritual level. Noach who was [first] called a “righteous man” was [then] called “a man of the earth.”

How could Noach have sinned in planting a vineyard?

In asking this question we prove that we have no understanding of who Noach was!

Midrash Tanchuma (Noach 13) teaches: The Sages taught: “On the same day that he planted he harvested fruit; he stomped on it; he drank it.” Contrary to reality all this took place in a single day. This grants us profound insight into Noach’s tremendous spiritual level which allowed him to merit a manifest miracle. Moreover this miracle occurred even at a time when he was acting incorrectly. (Rav Dovid Povarsky rosh yeshivas Ponovezh Yishmiru Daas )

This world is a terrifying roller coaster. People sit on their seats tense watching the car as it climbs higher higher. And suddenly … the roller coaster hurtles down the track at surreal speeds; bodies flip upside down contorting in dazzling turns and mind-blowing spins that seem to stretch the earth into oblivion.

And the shrieks! People scream due to the speed and terror. They screech because of the dizziness and unexpected bangs. They beg to be let off of this hellish ride.

And below … Standing below the speeding roller coaster is a man who is patiently peeling his tangerine as he watches the scene above in bewilderment. Why are all these people screaming? Whatever possessed them to get on that ride? He had watched them shoving to be first in line. Their eyes were shining their exhilaration palpable as they paid a hefty ticket price before climbing on that monstrous ride. “Why did you ride it?” he asked them as they climb off pale-faced and shaky their stomachs heaving and throats hoarse from screaming. Why indeed?

We see the greatness of Noach as it’s written at the end of Parshas Bereishis “And Noach found favor in the Eyes of Hashem.” What is the meaning of this?

The Alter of Slabodka cites the Rishonim: the name Noach derives from the word “menuchah – rest.” Since he was an ish menuchah he found favor in the Eyes of Hashem. Noach was a serene person a man of peace who did everything slowly patiently without growing confused. (ibid)

The man who patiently peels his tangerine follows the model of his ancestor Noach the man who drew serenity calm and peace of mind into this world.

It is such a man who can point out the discrepancy between our desire to ride such a thriller and our nausea as we descend.

Who indeed asked us to climb onto this perilous roller coaster? The cost of the ride is high and inevitably we are filled with searing regret as we approach the fateful drop.

Our roller coaster track is plastered with neon signs advertising thousands of products that we “need” and “can’t live without.” It’s filled with endless hours of work of play with gadgets that guarantee instant gratification. The roller coaster rushes onward at breakneck speed. Morning blends into afternoon and afternoon into night. Each day disappears into a week a month a year. There’s hardly time to breathe. We certainly can’t stop! The only thing possible is to scream.

My children are demanding. My job is stressful. And my mother-in-law must be out of her mind if she thinks that we’re spending the whole Yom Tov with them! I feel the tension rising the inevitable shriek looming at the surface of my consciousness.

Hold it.

Suddenly I hear a soft voice calling. It’s the gentle voice of Noach whose ways found favor in the Eyes of Hashem. My entire litany of complaints are the echoes of that dreaded roller coaster words that contain no thought no patience no peace of mind. They are rapid-fire furious so fast that my intellect can’t keep up!

A little bit more time! When progressing at a supernatural pace it’s impossible to think clearly. We cannot act — we react. Allow yourself a moment of thought and contemplation to put things in proportion. Consider your words and your choice of action. And perhaps you can appease your mother-in-law while still remaining calm.

Take the time to learn from Noach and find favor in the Eyes of Hashem.