Our Parsha ends with what is known as “Parshas Zachor,” urging us to recall what Amalek did to us when we left Egypt. We read it now, before Rosh HaShana, and also the week before Purim. What is the connection, and what do we want to remember?
The Ohr HaChaim says Amalek was singled out because they alone sought out the Jews, though they didn’t know where they were. They traveled great distances in the desert to find and destroy them.
If this is what they did to hurt us, searching so long with no benefit, then shouldn’t we follow their example and seek out Hashem, which is good for us? That’s why we read this at two tines of the year when Teshuva is appropriate, at Purim, and Yom KiPurim. Don’t forget what they did for hate, and what we can do for love.
