The great deluge that destroyed all of civilization except for the survivors in Noach’s ark was intended to serve as a lesson for all time that evil empires will inevitably perish.

"Never give up hope that evil will be punished," advised the Sage Netai the Arbalite (Pirkei Avot 11:7). His counsel is reinforced by the observation made elsewhere (Avot 5:2) that there were ten generations of sinners from Adam to Noach but the long suffering attribute of G-d postponed the great deluge to wipe out a corrupt world for 1656 years.

Throughout history evil empires have risen and fallen, the most recent examples being the demise of the Third Reich and the disappearance of Tsarist and Communist regimes in Russia.

There are evil empires today that threaten not only Israel but also the entire world. This week's Torah portion reminds us that they too will disappear and spare Israel forever.

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