The rainbow is one of nature’s most beautiful wonders. Whenever we see one, our instinct is often to point it out to someone else and share in its beauty. Yet many of us hesitate, having heard that it is not appropriate to draw someone’s attention to a rainbow.
The source of this idea is found in the Torah’s account of the covenant G-d made with Noach after the Flood. The rainbow was given as a sign of that covenant, a promise that G-d would never again destroy the world through a flood.
Perhaps for this reason, Chazal and the commentators view the rainbow not simply as something beautiful, but as a reminder of the fragile relationship between the world and its Creator. It can represent the fact that the world may not always be deserving, and that G-d’s promise protects us even when we fall short. For this reason, there is a tradition not to point out a rainbow to others.
Yet, several great commentators offer fascinating insights suggesting that not every rainbow we see carries this same message.
Rav Ovadiah Sforno writes that the rainbow witnessed by Noach was different from the one we normally see today. Noach saw a “double rainbow,” with the order of the colours reversed.
Rav Yonasan Eibeschitz similarly distinguishes between different types of rainbows. He describes the familiar rainbow we see in the sky, and another form with a techeilet, sky-blue appearance, which carries a more ominous message of potential destruction.
The Netziv offers yet another perspective. If a rainbow appears only briefly, partially hidden behind the clouds, it can be understood as a sign of Divine judgment. But when it emerges clearly and shines brightly for an extended period, it can instead be a symbol of blessing and Divine favour.
Perhaps there is a beautiful message here for all of us.
The rainbow can become a reflection of how we choose to see the world.
We can look at the darkness and focus on the threat of destruction. Or we can look a little deeper, beyond the clouds, and see the light. We can notice the beauty, recognise the colour, and appreciate the blessings that surround us.
The same world can be viewed through very different lenses. Our challenge is not to ignore the darkness, but to recognise that even within it, there is always light.
May we always merit to see the goodness in our world, to appreciate the beauty that G-d places before us, and to recognise the hidden blessings that surround us each and every day.