Divrei Menachem

Divrei Menachem

It seems that it is our lot to fight both physical wars of survival and spiritual battles for the continuity of our rich heritage and the honor of Torah. And at this time as our thoughts are filled with the external threats hanging ominously over our heads and the election of new and seasoned leaders who shape our future, we might well turn to this week’s parsha for inspiration.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe reminds us that both physical and spiritual conflicts are alluded to in this week’s Torah narrative. These are, respectively, Par’o's attempt to destroy us as a people and Amalek’s brazen attack against the spiritual revival of Bnei Yisrael as they fled Mitzrayim to receive the Torah on Mount Sinai.
Par’o's main issue was to prevent a slave rebellion. Essentially, he had no problem with the Israelites serving their G-d. But for Amalek, this new-found nation’s goal of elevating Hashem’s name in the world was pure anathema. No wonder that Hashem told Moshe not to fear Par’o for He would fight that battle (Sh’mot 14:14). But as far as Amalek was concerned, Hashem’s instruc- tions to us were clear and pro- active: “Go out and fight Amalek!” (17:9). For the war against Amalek and for the glory of Torah is our fight. It is a challenge that continues “from generation to generation” till this very day.

Shabbat Shalom, Menachem Persoff

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