ICE WATER
In addition to the weekly Parsha, Tetzave, we will read Parshas Zachor. The purpose of this reading is to remember what Amalek did to us when we left Egypt, and to wipe out their memory. Since the Torah is eternal and she records Amalek’s attack on us how can we succeed in wiping out their memory? Rather, the intent of wiping out their memory is to erase their mark on society.
So, what was Amalek’s mark on society? Considering they attacked us 3,300 years ago is their mark still relevant?
The Torah tells us to remember that Amalek encountered us in war as we left Egypt. The Hebrew word for encounter “karcha” has an alternate meaning; “to cool down”. Our Sages teach us that the purpose of Amalek’s attack on us was for just one purpose. They wanted to cool down the overwhelming inspiration that grabbed the entire world. They wanted the world just “chill out”, don’t be so inspired.
The entire world was overwhelmed by the miracles that HaShem did for our people and the destruction that He wreaked upon the Egyptians. The Torah writes that the hearts of the kings of Canaan melted. They lost all support in their overwhelming fear.
Amalek was the nation who could not tolerate this. Amalek told the world: “Chill out, don’t be be so impressed. Be yourself and leave G.D out of Man’s affairs. Do as you wish, etc.”
As my family was returning from Passaic motzei Shabbos during a heavy snowfall, we were driving on the Turnpike when my right wiper blade snapped off and got caught in the snow on the side of the windshield. The snowfall was so heavy that I had no option to shut the wipers off. I thanked HaShem for choosing to take off the right wiper blade. I still able to see using the left blade. However, with every rotation, the right wiper arm was scratching the windshield. To stop on the shoulder would be highly dangerous with the poor visibility and the shoulder had a half foot of snow on it. After traveling another 20 minutes I was able to exit the road. The wiper that snapped off was still stuck in the snow embankment on the side of the windshield. I took it out and snapped it perfectly back into its place on the wiper arm. The rest of the trip went thankfully uneventful.
I was so grateful to the Al.mighty for leaving the left wiper blade connected so that I was able to continue driving. I was further grateful that the right blade was still available to be inserted back into place. And of course I was grateful when it snapped back into place with no com-plication as it still continues to operate properly. I was further grateful that the whole event happened! It was clear that HaShem was trying to get my attention – which worked! It is very nice to know someone so important wants your attention. You can be sure that my brachos were said with more intent following that event. However, the impact of that event did not stay with me for long. From time to time there is a part of me that wonders “is HaShem really with me”.
In spite of these occurrences we lose the impact and impression of the moment. Why is that? I believe this is the Amalek factor.
In spite of all the genius that science discovers which all point a finger to the Creator and to the Designer, nevertheless, Man is able to deny His existence. Man is able to remain unmoved by everything he sees around him. How? This is the Amalek factor.
The ability to pour cold water on the inspiring insights that surround is daily is Amalek’s mark on the world.
As we read Parshas Amalek this week, hold on to those precious moments of inspiration for a little bit longer and wipe Amalek’s mark from the face of the Earth.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Paysach Diskind