The Eternal War with Amalek

This week, the Shabbat preceding Purim, calls us to remember the eternal struggle between good and evil. We recall the Amalekites who preyed upon the Israelites during their Exodus, targeting the vulnerable and demonstrating a profound lack of fear for the Divine.

Similarly, Haman, a descendant of Amalek, sought the annihilation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, fueled by his arrogance and disdain for Mordecai’s unwavering faith. This exemplifies the nature of evil: to exploit weakness, corrupt innocence, and destroy those who refuse to yield to its influence.

The Torah reminds us, “Remember what the Amalekites did to you… they had no fear of God.” This absence of fear, this rejection of the Divine, lies at the core of evil. Conversely, those who fear and love God are drawn to goodness and strive for holiness.

We are called to recognize that the battle between good and evil is not confined to the past. It is a perpetual struggle, demanding our vigilance and active participation. We must identify those who, like Amalek, conceal their true nature and tempt us towards wrongdoing.

More importantly, we must respond to evil with acts of goodness and holiness. Just as Moses raised his hands in prayer to secure victory over Amalek, we too must turn to the Divine for strength and guidance. By aligning ourselves with the Almighty, we ensure that the Hamans of the world face ultimate defeat.

This is the enduring test of humanity: to resist the allure of ego, narcissism, and the fleeting gains offered by evil, and instead, choose righteousness. Let us stand firm in our commitment to good, recognizing that every act of kindness and every prayer uttered strengthens our side in this eternal battle.

May we always remember the lessons of Amalek and Haman, and may our actions reflect our unwavering dedication to the triumph of good over evil.