By Rabbi Moshe Pogrow
Just before Parshas Zachor comes the mitzvah of fair weights, completing the ideal picture of klal Yisrael: a people who keep far from any misuse of power. We refuse to violate the trust that people must be able to place in each other in order to live together in one society. We are firm in our conviction that we may only call Hashem Elokeinu if we scrupulously avoid doing harm to His creatures, and it is this conviction that is the source of our scrupulous honesty in dealing with our fellow men.
This mitzvah—even shleima—is the final stroke of the Torah’s character sketch for its people. The people of the Torah should have a national character that reflects sympathy, consideration, charity and kindness toward all living things; should be ready at all times to do good and be constitutionally incapable of causing harm to another. They are called “Yeshurun,” the most yashar, honest and upright, of all nations.
The antithesis of this national ethos is presented by Amalek, which glories in its triumphant sword, in trampling the weak and unprotected. When the Jewish people were just taking their first steps into history, Amalek immediately attacked. From that very first attempt to oppose klal Yisrael, it was decreed that Amalek would ultimately be wiped out of the memory of the world.
Hence, we are reminded never to forget this. By giving a detailed account of Amalek’s sudden appearance, the Torah heightens our awareness of this antithesis to our essence. Whereas in Shemos the struggle against what Amalek represents is described as the purpose of all Hashem’s maneuverings in history, in Ki Seitzei klal Yisrael is required to see itself as an instrument in Hashem’s war against Amalek.
Amalek’s wreath of military laurels misleads people, blinding them with its glitter. The final leaf will fall from that wreath when Amalek’s power is broken—not by a sword stronger than its own, but by a force upheld solely by G-d’s power and based solely on loyalty to His law.
Do not forget this. If we ever wish to forget our calling and our mission, we cannot envy the laurel wreaths that the foolish world weaves for those who successfully wreck human happiness. Remember the tear-drenched soil from which these laurels grow. Do not forget this, when you yourself suffer the brutality and violence of Amalek. Stay strong, and maintain the humanity and justice that Hashem has taught us, for humanity and justice will ultimately triumph.
Based on the commentary of Rav Shamshon Raphael Hirsch zt”l on Chumash, with permission from the publisher.
