Never Forget - Zachor 5785
Amalek. The word evokes many emotions. Hatred, fear, disgust, memories of Haman and all the vicious enemies through the generations, and in the words of our sages, Chutzpah. They were the ones who attacked just after we left Egypt and were on the way to Sinai to receive the Torah. They had no reason. We were not taking their land, we had no intention of attacking or hurting them. They were just filled with hatred. The same with Haman, and Hitler, and all the others. The best way to describe that is baseless hatred and Chutzpah. We would love to forget about all the pain they have inflicted, but the Torah tells us: Zachor! Remember what Amalek did to you. We are obligated to remember Amalek every single day. It is embedded in our daily prayers. And once a year, we are all required to attend the synagogue and listen to the Torah reading of Parshat Zachor - Remember. This is happening this Shabbat, the Shabbat b...