Tzaddikim Open Windows in the Barrier

1“Noach opened the window of the Ark” [Bereishis 8:6]. This can be understood through what the Chida writes in Midbar Kedemos (under “Tzaddikim”)¹: “It is known that because of our many sins, a barrier separates us from Heaven. Through mitzvos done properly, the tzaddikim break through this barrier like windows. But those who do mitzvos improperly have the power to break through only a little, and their openings are like narrow cracks. That is the meaning of the verse, ‘He gazes through the windows, He peers through the cracks’ [Shir HaShirim 2:9].” So far his words. This helps us understand the verse “For death has come up into our windows” (Yirmiyahu 9:20). The tzaddikim, who until now made windows in the barrier, have passed away because of our many sins. The windows have been sealed and have become barriers again. And this explains the verse “Noach opened the window of the Ark”: through his prayers, Noach made windows in the barriers.