The Battle With Amalek

The Amalekites are the sworn enemy of the Jewish people. They are descendants of Eisav, and they possess an inborn hatred for the Jews.

When we are commanded to blot out the memory of Amalek, we are being asked to destroy everything that they represent.

They are pure evil and they are synonymous with Satan, the Angel of Death, and the Yeitzer Hara, the evil inclination. The numerical value of the word, Amalek, in Hebrew, as well as the word, “Safek,” that means doubt, are equal.

We are tormented when we are placed in a position of doubt. We wonder what the next day will bring, and we are filled troubling uncertainties. This is the work of Amalek.

It really is a lifetime struggle to defeat these forces of evil.

We must not be passive in this struggle. We must realize that these negative forces are constantly at work, to harm us.

The Talmud says that Hashem created the Yeitzer Hara, as its antidote. If we feel it is harming us, we should drag this despicable character into the Beit Midrash.

When one commits sins and violates the Torah, he is giving strength to Satan. When we do Mitzvot, we drive him away.

The Torah tells us that Yehoshua was chosen to fight Amalek, and they were weakened. Amalek appeared again through Haman when he tried to annihilate the Jewish people.

It is our task to completely obliterate Amalek. This is necessary for the Mashiach to come for the final redemption. With Hashem’s help, that day will be soon.