RAV KOOK ON PARSHAS NOACH

translated and adapted by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Noach Not all tzaddikim are equal. Different individuals attain different levels of holiness and righteousness. The Torah calls our attention to these distinctions when it describes Noah and Abraham with similar yet slightly different phrases. Regarding Noah, the Torah states that he "walked with God" (Gen. 6:9). To Abraham, on the other hand, God commanded, "Walk before Me" (Gen. 17:1). Noah walked with God, while Abraham walked before God. What is the difference? Which is better? Interestingly, we find in the Torah a third expression for living a holy life. The Torah charges us to "walk after the Lord, your God" (Deut. 13:5). Where does 'walking after God' fit in?