זכור את אשר עשה לך עמלק, בדרך בצאתכם ממצרים
“Remember what Amalek did to you on the way when you were leaving Mitzrayim.”
It seems difficult to understand that nowadays we are obligated in the mitzvah of remembering Amalek, and we are commanded to eradicate Amalek, although we are prohibited from fulfilling this mitzvah while we are in golus. What is the purpose in the mitzvah of remembering if we cannot fulfill the mitzvah of eradicating them?
The purpose of remembering is not so that we will destroy them; rather, the purpose is for us to remember that it is possible for a person of flesh and blood to be so evil, and to be kofer in Hakadosh Boruch Hu, even when he sees clear open miracles of Hakadosh Boruch Hu. Amalek, along with the rest of the world, saw the open miracles of Hakadosh Boruch Hu. The rest of the world stood in awe, while Amalek decided to take action.
It says in the Tanchumah that Amalek was like the first person to jump into a very hot bath. Once the first person goes in, it cools off, enabling the rest of the people to jump in. The entire world was in awe of the Jews, and by attacking them, Amalek diminished the awe that all the nations had.
This event should be misorer one never to think that he is impervious to sin. He must be careful not to commit any sins, not even small ones, and must also ensure that he does not commit very serious ones. People might think that while they may not adhere to all the minor rules, they certainly do not need to be concerned about making sure not to kill or not to steal, for these are prohibitions that they would surely not violate. This is not so; one must not trust himself not to violate even the most serious of sins, always being on the lookout to ensure that he in fact does not commit any sins at all. (קול רם)
Amalek fearlessly attacked us. Their great convictions enabled them to ignore the miracles that they, and the entire world, had just seen. Klal Yisroel left Mitzrayim with great miracles following them along the way, from the Makkos through Krias Yam Suf. Their deliverance was spectacular and made it known to all not to attack the Jews, for the G-d of the world was taking care of them.
Then Amalek came and said, “We will ignore all that we saw and pretend it never happened. We will go and attack the Jews.” We must remember what Amalek did so that we do not make the same mistake of ignoring Hashem’s miracles on our behalf. There are times that Hashem’s presence is more apparent to us than other times, but if one opens his eyes, he can always see Hakadosh Boruch Hu all around him. We must not close our eyes to Him, as Amalek did. Rather, we must be cognizant of the fact that the Borei Olam is always present, always running every aspect of the world. We must strengthen our emunah in Hakadosh Boruch Hu and know that He is complete chessed.
May we be zoche to truly have this proper emunah and be zoche to the day when Amalek will be completely eradicated and the Shem Hashem will once again be complete.
