A Torah Life in Eretz Yisrael - Obliterating Amalek | Rabbi Ari Waxman | Beit Midrash

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This week we are commanded to remember Amalek, what they have done to do us and what motivates them. While trying to understand this nation we find that the Torah tells us, "Amalek is the first of nations, and their end will be destruction." (Bamidbar 24). We see from this posuk that the end of days, the time at which the world attains its perfected state, brings about the end of Amalek. And the reason for this seems to be connected to the beginning of the posuk, "Amalek is the first of nations", "Reishit goyim Amalek".

At the very moment that the Jewish people determine their true direction, "baderech," Amalek attacks. Precisely at the point at which Am Yisrael embarks on the journey towards fulfilling their national and religious aspirations, Amalek stands and opposes their planned destination, living a Torah life in Eretz Yisrael.

As we remember the evil of Amalek let us remember the motivation behind their actions. Remembering this will help us realize that through strengthening the fulfillment of Torah in Eretz Yisrael we perform the most powerful act of wiping out Amalek.

The Essence of Purim