Page 126 - BERESHIT

The Ba’alei Mussar say that the yeshiva nowadays is like the Ark which
protected Noach and his family from the Flood. I would like to add that
similar to the wild animals in the Ark, so too in a yeshiva. A bachur who
does not desire to learn Torah and grow spiritually in a yeshiva will only
develop into a wild animal, wreaking havoc amongst his friends.

When bachurim return to the yeshiva from bein hazmanim, they find the
adjustment very difficult. During bein hazmanim one is less involved with
learning Torah, hence the difficulties in climbing back up the same ascent.
Every bachur should try his utmost and aspire to greatness.

Upon exiting the Ark, Noach also began to ascend in his level of devotion.

This is hinted to by the words (Bereishit 8:20), “And Noach built an altar

for Hashem.” The Hebrew word also connotes understanding. Noach

understood that he should build an altar to bring forth Divine favor. Noach

however did not find the means to inspire himself to greater achievements

and fell from his high level. He became imbued with a more mundane

existence, as it says the word (and he began) which indicates his

descent to the level of (preoccupation of the mundane).

Shem and Ever were able to continue their exalted spirit that they
absorbed in the Ark. They established a yeshiva and channeled their
spiritual powers into its walls, thereby creating a haven for future
generations to learn Torah.