AMALEK’S WAR
In addition to reading Parshas Tetzave this week we will also read Parshas Zachor in which the Torah instructs us to remember how Amalek attacked us when we left Egypt. These instructions also include the mitzvah to destroy Amalek. Who is Amalek and why do they deserve such an attitude?
We await the arrival of Moshiach for the world to reach the moment of its destiny. When that occurs, the nations will also celebrate that moment. They too will finally reach their intended destiny as they will serve HaShem in the manner that is appropriate for them. The only nation that will not celebrate is Amalek. As Bilam says ‘Amalek is the first nation to fight against Israel and their destiny is complete destruction’. While every other nation will achieve their destiny Amalek will be destroyed because that is their destiny!
The manner in which Bilam associates Amalek’s war against us with their destiny of destruction seems to indicate that the reason for their tragic destiny is because they waged war against us. This is very difficult to understand since the entire world (almost) has fought against us at some time or other. Someone had to be first. Why is Amalek worse than the others?
HaShem made an ecosystem in which every creature and every plant has its role. Without fleas the ecosystem would fail. There is one creature, however, who plays no role in the ecosystem, Man. This begs the question; why was Man created? To suggest that Man was created to make the world a better place is lacking because quite frankly, the ecosystem would be better off without Man. To answer that Man can make the world a better place for Man himself would be circular and the question would remain – why was he created. What function does he serve?
Of course, the answer is that Man was created to connect the material world to HaShem. This is why only Man is able to yearn for something transcendent. Dolphins have no desire to go outside of their water nor cows outside their barn, they are satisfied with their station.
This reason explains why the Jewish people were created as they are the ones whom HaShem chose to serve Him, and are there-fore able to elevate the material world to the spiritual realm. What about the other nations?
Every nation has its unique talents, insights and experiences all of which can add a depth of beauty for the Torah. The reason Ha-Shem created all of Mankind was for them to add their contribution for the Torah which could not have been achieved without them.
Until Moshiach arrives those nations use their talents, insights and experiences to the detriment of Torah. The ancient Greeks whose talent was intellect used their talent to reject Torah. With the arrival of Moshiach their intellect will contribute an incredible beauty to the Torah.
When one reads the Shiras Hayam that was sung by our people after the splitting of the Red Sea, it is astounding to see how the entire world was frozen in fright of HaShem and the people whom He led. Only Amalek dared to challenge them. Why? Be-cause Amalek chose no other role in this world other than to reject HaShem. They live to bring the rejection of HaShem. Amalek faced an existential threat with the splitting of the Red Sea. The world was on the cusp of total acceptance of His Sovereign-ty. Amalek could not tolerate such an attitude and waged a war to demonstrate to the world that anyone who wishes can challenge HaShem and His people.
Amalek’s war against our people demonstrated their absolute commitment to eradicating the acceptance of HaShem. The talents, insights and experiences of Amalek all lead to its role of rejecting HaShem. It follows therefore that once the time arrives when the world will be filled with the understanding of HaShem as water fills the ocean (this is the metaphor used by Yishayahu 11:9) Amalek will no longer have any role to play. Hence, his nation will become extinct.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a joyful PUrim.
Paysach Diskind