Noah's Vineyard - a Priority?

            We read in Parashat Noach that after the flood Noach engaged in agriculture and planted a vineyard (9:20).  Chazal, as Rashi cites, criticize Noach for choosing to plant specifically a vineyard: “He profaned himself, for he should have engaged first in some other planting.”  The Sages here associate the word “va-yachel” used in reference Noach’s agricultural initiative with the word “chulin” (“mundane” or “profane”), such that it alludes to Noach’s having become “profane” through this enterprise.

            The Midrash here conveys the critical lesson that religious life means not only choosing right over wrong, but also prioritizing between different “right” activities.  Chazal were certainly not opposed to wine; in fact, they required drinking wine every Shabbat and on various other occasions. But they found fault in Noach’s decision to make this the first area of engagement after the flood.  An activity which is perfectly valid and legitimate per se, and even worthwhile and beneficial, becomes worthy of criticism if there are other, more pressing needs that deserve priority.  We can think of different reasons why other agricultural enterprises should have taken precedence over vines, but regardless, Chazal here instruct that we must give thought and careful consideration to not only the propriety of what we do, but also the timing and order of priorities.

            Often we excuse our neglect of certain responsibilities by noting the value of the other things we do.  We find constructive and meaningful activities that we enjoy in order to allow ourselves to ignore less enjoyable but more pressing obligations with a clear conscience.  The Midrash here reminds us that prioritization is also part of religious obligation, and that we must therefore avoid not only wrongful behavior, but also worthwhile endeavors that distract us from more pressing and immediate responsibilities.