B"H
Friday, Adar2 8, 5782 / March 11, 2022
This Shabbat we read Parshat Vayikra, beginning the third Book of the Torah – the book of Leviticus.
The Parsha speaks about the various sacrifices brought upon the altar in the Mishkan-Tabernacle.
Being that this is the Shabbat before Purim, we also read from a second Torah about the story of Amalek. The reading in the second Torah begins with the word, Zachor- Remember. This Shabbat is called "Shabbat Zachor," because the special reading begins with the word “Zachor” - ”Remember”.
Parshat Zachor states, "Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt; He met you on the way and cut down all the weak trailing behind you while you were weary and exhausted. He did not fear G-d. Therefore, when the L-rd your G-d will relieve you of all your enemies around you, in the land which the L-rd your G-d gives you as a heritage, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from beneath the heaven. Do not forget!"
The reason we read Parshat Zachor before Purim is because Haman, who tried to annihilate the Jewish people, which resulted in the miracle of Purim, was a direct descendant of Amalek.
Q. Many other nations waged war against the Jewish people, why is the nation of Amalek singled out to the extent that we are commanded to erase the memory of Amalek?
A. Amalek was the first nation to wage war against the Jewish people after the Exodus. All subsequent wars and incitement against the Jewish people are rooted and a continuation of the war which Amalek began. We read this portion before Purim so that we shall never forget what Amalek did.
It also serves as a reminder that just as G-d saved us from Amalek and Haman, so too, will He protect us against those who, openly or through various disguises, in every generation, try to spread hate against the Jewish people.
Q. One of the mitzvot we perform on Purim is sending gifts of food to friends, called - "Shalach Manot." What is the reason for this mitzvah?
A. One reason that G-d allowed Haman's terrible decree to take place was because Jews participated and ate non-kosher food at King Achashverosh's party. By exchanging kosher food items on Purim, we rectify this fault.
Another reason: Sending Shalach Manot-gifts on Purim, is an expression of friendship and unity. We thank G-d for the great miracle of Purim in which our lives were saved by showing our Father-in-Heaven, that we are united and care for each other. There is no greater pleasure for a father than to see his children caring for each other.
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montreal candle lighting time: 5:36 / Shabbat ends: 6:41