Friday, Adar 12, 5777 / March 10, 2017

This Shabbat two Torahs are taken out of the ark.  In the first Torah we read the portion of the week, Parshat Tetzaveh.  In the second Torah we read the special Torah reading for the Shabbat before Purim, Parshat Zachor.

Q.Why do we read Parshat Zachor on the Shabbat before Purim?

A.In Parshat Zachor the Torah states, "Remember what Amalek did to you on the way, as you departed from Egypt.  How he encountered you on the way and cut down the weaklings trailing behind you, while you were faint and exhausted and he did not fear G-d.. You are to erase the memory of Amalek from beneath the heaven.  Do not forget."

Although the people of Israel have suffered at the hands of many nations, Amalek stands out, for theywere the first ones to attack the nation of Israel after their Exodus. Although, Amalek was defeated, yet, he managed to instill fear in the people of Israel. He dispelled the fear that the other nations had of the Jewish people after the Exodus. Amalek's act had a great everlasting damaging effect.  As a result, we are commanded to remember his treachery every day.

Our sages explain this with a parable: A tub of water was boiling hot that everyone was afraid to get in out of fear of getting burnt. One person was stupid enough to jump into the water. Although he got burnt, it diminished everyone's fear and eventually they, too, tried to enter the tub. 

The same was with Amalek. The Torah tells us that when G-d took the children of Israel out of Egypt, "The nations heard it and trembled; pangs of fear gripped the inhabitants of Phlishtim; the chieftains of Edom were terrified; the mighty men of Moab were panic-stricken; all the inhabitants of Canaan melted away.." (Exodus 15).

Amalek, like the man who jumped into the hot tub, minimizing its blistering effect, did exactly the same. His action caused the other nations to eventually wage war against Israel.

Haman, who wanted to annihilate the entire Jewish people, was a direct descendant of Amalek. Thus, we read Parshat Zachor and the commandment to erase the memory of Amalek, before Purim, as it applies also to Haman.

Purim is Saturday night and Sunday. Make sure to hear the Megilah reading Saturday night and again on Sunday. Remember to perform the other mitzvot associated with Purim.

Remember, it is a mitzvah to be happy every day, especially on Purim. L’Chayim!

SHABBAT SHALOM & A HAPPY AND WONDERFUL PURIM

Montrealcandle lighting time: 5:35 / Shabbat ends: 6:40