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For the Jewish People, "Zachor" is a sacred word. Just the very mention of the word "Yizkor," for example, evokes our deepest feelings, an indescribable combination of joy, sadness & melancholy, as we recall those whose lives touched us.
Chazal urge us to recall 6 vital things each day: The Exodus; Ma’amad (the Revelation at) Har Sinai; the sins of the Golden Calf & Miriam’s Lashon Ha-ra, spoken against her brother Moshe; Shabbat; & Amalek’s attack upon Bnei Yisrael. Of the 6, the remembrance of Amalek is both the longest & the only one that is Biblically-mandated, in the form of the special Torah reading this Shabbat of Parshat Zachor (as well as the reading on Purim morning).
Why is davka the focus on Amalek so very important?
I suggest that while all of the Z’chirot are powerful points on the Jewish compass – observing Shabbat, honoring the Torah, appreciating G-d & all He does for us, etc. - the threat of Amalek is a matter of Pikuach Nefesh, & guarding our lives from physical danger always takes precedence, even to the extent of suspending Shabbat and most Mitzvot.
Sadly, we have never managed to totally eradicate the phenomenon of Amalek & Amalek-like enemies, whose raison d’etre is eliminating Jews & Judaism, for no reason other than that we exist. We can be rich, poor, religious ornon, & still Amalek, in blind, irrational hatred, seeks our destruction – even at their own peril & loss. And so we must be aware of the past & remain vigilant in the future. Yet while Purim provides this backdrop of danger never being too far from our door, it is at heart a joyous holiday – maybe the most joyous holiday of the entire year. We must not let danger diminish our Joie de vivre.
This is the idea behind the strange phraseology of "Zachor – Al Tishkach;" we are told by the Torah to remember & not to forget (what Amalek represents). On the surface, this seems quite contradictory a statement: If we remember, then of course we don’t forget. And if we don’t forget, then we surely remember!
But the Torah is telling us: There are times, like parshat Zachor or Yom Hazikaron, when we must make a specific effort to "Zachor," to remember - out of respect for the victims, & for our own self-defense – the threats we may face. But If we were to remember constantly & vividly all the encounters we’ve had over the centuries with Amalek – the pogroms, the Shoa, the terror attacks – we would be emotionally paralyzed, & could not lead normal lives. So at most times it’s sufficient to at least "Al Tishkach," to not forget those episodes, & go on with life.
Most important right now: Remember, & don’t forget, to have a fantastic Purim!
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
