REMEMBER
In this week’s Parsha Moshe instructs his people to remember how Amalek attacked them as they left Egypt and to blot out the memory of Amalek. It is noteworthy that although we no longer know who the nation of Amalek is, nevertheless the mitzvah remains to remember what they did and to blot out their memory.
Who was Amalek and why must we remember what they did? Why must we blot out their memory?
Amalek initiated a battle against our people shortly after we left Egypt. After the world witnessed the Ten Plagues which decimated the Egyptian economy, the largest most secure of its time and after the devastation of the Egyptian Empire’s military force at the Red Sea, Amalek attacked us. The absurdity of such an advance is beyond belief. Did Amalek really think they would win a military campaign against HaShem’s people? What drove Amalek to undertake such a campaign?
Every nation has their unique role in world history. Amalek adopted the role of creating apathy and indifference. HaShem uses historical events to shake up the world to the awareness of His Being. Amalek has set their role to be the ones who undermine that impression which HaShem creates through history. In other words, Amalek stands in direct opposition to HaShem.
When Amalek attacked us, they knew they would lose the battle. Their goal was not to win. Their goal was to show that Man need not be scared of HaShem. No matter what He will do, Man can do as he wishes. His goal was to demonstrate indifference to HaShem and His actions.
We, on the other hand, are fortunate to be the ones whom HaShem uses to demonstrate this awareness. The role of our people is to arouse within ourselves and, by extension, within the people of the world an awareness of HaShem.
We are therefore in an ongoing war with Amalek. When Moshe implores his people to blot out the memory of Amalek, he is not referring to the historical event of their initial attack. That event will be forever etched into history by virtue of it being a part of our eternal Torah. Moshe is referring to the ideology of Amalek. The “memory” of Amalek is a reference to Amalek’s imprint of indifference and to the role of Amalek.
So while there may be nobody left to wipe out since there is no longer any identifiable nation of Amalek, nevertheless, the imprint of Amalek still lingers.
Immediately following 9/11 Americans sang only “G.D bless America” during the 7th inning stretch instead of “Take me out to the ball game”. There was an awareness of the need for HaShem’s protection. Twenty years later the 7th inning stretch is now used to sell more beer and popcorn and play some music. America’s awareness of their need for HaShem’s protection is gone. Within American culture Amalek succeeded in creating apathy and indifference to the lessons that were so heavily paid for twenty years ago. Even when the Taliban celebrates their most remarkable comeback, the world’s reaction is at best timid.
We are charged with the ever renewing command to never forget Amalek. For us, our very existence rests upon our never forgetting what Amalek did, who they are and what their role in history is.
It is now 3,333 years since Amalek raised their arrogant head to challenge the inspiration of our Exodus. We may not forget our role and what we live for. We must blot out their arrogance and raise the banner of HaShem.
Have a very wonderful Shabbos.
Paysach Diskind