Remembering Amalek

This Shabbat, we have the Torah command to hear the reading of Parshat Zachor. This always takes place on the Shabbat before Purim.

We read of our obligation to destroy the memory of Amalek. Haman was a descendant of this tribe that epitomized evil. This is why this is read this time of year.

Rav Kook wrote about this commandment to destroy Amalek and its memory. Their existence pollutes the world. This is why their destruction is a prerequisite for the coming of Mashiach.

We even say that G-d’s heavenly throne is not complete as long as Amalek exists. The description of the world upon Mashiach’s arrival, will be a time when כל הרשעה כעשן תכלה, when all evil will vanish like smoke. The evil is Amalek.

The Talmud in Masechet Rosh Hashanah gives synonyms for Amalek. The “Satan” and Yeitzer Hara, evil inclination, and Ayin Hara, the evil eye, are all under the heading of “evil.” It is also no coincidence that the numerical value of עמלק, is the aame as ספק, meaning, doubt. Living with doubts often torments us, and when we find clarity, we have peace of mind.

It is also understandable why Rabbi Akiva said that we should actively be involved in destroying Amalek and its memory. When evil is no longer in this world, we have the peace necessary for our own spiritual advancement.

Make no mistake that evil exists. And evil must be eradicated as demonstrated by our command to utterly destroy Amalek.