Parshas Noach

Rabbi Hillel Brody

After the Flood, Noach set about rebuilding the world. The first thing he planted was a vineyard. The Torah tells us that he consumed wine to the extent that he conducted himself in an embarrassing manner. Noach’s son, Cham, saw this, and told his brothers, Yefes and Shem. They proceeded to cover Noach in the most respectful way possible, going beyond the call of duty to preserve Noach’s dignity.

The Chofetz Chaim points out in Shemiras Halashon that Cham is severely punished for revealing Noach’s state; his intention was not to alert his brothers so they could act to preserve Noach’s dignity, but rather to have a laugh at their father’s expense. For this reason, he told them in a public place where others could overhear.

The result of Cham’s Lashon Hara was an eternal curse.

I would highlight that Noach is criticized by the Torah, as explained by Chazal. He was mistaken in choosing to plant grapes first, and certainly should not have become so severely intoxicated. Nevertheless, Cham’s responsibility was to protect his father’s dignity, and avoid lashon hara. For this failing, the impact to Cham and his descendants was severe and permanent.