In this week's Torah portion we read of the story of one righteous man in an evil generation. G-d commands Noah to build the ark to save him and his family from the impending destruction. Noah and his family were the only ones righteous enough to be saved in the ark. Noah was told by G-d, "And you shall take of all that is eaten and gather it to you; and it shall be for you and for them (Noah's family and the animals) to eat" (Genesis 6:21). Why does the Torah add the seemingly superfluous words, "and it shall be for you and for them to eat?" What else is the purpose of food if not to be eaten?
Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, in his book called Love Your Neighbor, quotes Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman (a prominent rabbi in pre-World War II Europe) who offers the following explanation: The Midrash describes the climate and fertility of the earth prior to the flood. The picture that emerges is that the produce of that period was greatly superior to that which we have today. Noah, who was a prophet, knew that after the flood the earth would not be the same and that he might have wanted to take along as much superior quality food as was possible to store for future use. However, he was warned to take along only enough to sustain himself and his family during their period of confinement in the ark. The reason for this is that when others suffer, we must commiserate with them and not seek pleasure for ourselves.
I believe this sentiment is very apropos for the situation that our brethren in Israel are experiencing now. A true way to show our love and support is by commiserating with their suffering. In this way, G-d will see our care and concern and with His help, the situation will be one of peace and serenity.
Shabbat Shalom