It feels good to live up to our values and do what is right. But what should we do if the people around us aren't? Should we get involved and try to influence them or change them? In this week's Torah portion Noah faced this very dilemma. God informed him that he was about to bring a huge flood to destroy the world that had become very corrupted and evil. God told Noah, who was literally the only good and honest man left in the world that only he and his family would survive to start the world all over. Although Noah was sad and hoped that everyone else would change their ways and also be saved, he made the mistake of not doing enough to influence them to change. We learn from here that it’s not only important to be good on our own, but it is also important to try to influence others to do what is right and have good values.
As well all know, there is no room for evil or hate in this world - we have enough of that already. This world is turning into a scary place, and the only thing we can do individually is try to make it better. If you see someone doing something not right, then tell them. Help not only yourself become a better person, but also others. By not only changing yourself to become a better person, but by also influencing others, you can save humanity as Noah could have done. Be a virtuous person, influence others to be good people, stand up for what’s honest and right, and you can make a change.
-Noa Barazani