Lead Tidbit

Defining Amalek

Let us begin by noticing that it is not Amalek that we are commanded to remember and never to forget - it is what Amalek did to us on our way out of Egypt. This will bear on the definition of Amalek. It will allow us to include in the “definition” of Amalek, those who are Amalek-like; those who behave like Amalek, and like his famous descendant, Haman.

And while we keep that in mind, let us also remember who Amalek’s grand- father was and who filled the original Amalek with hatred for the descendants of Yaakov. None other than Yaakov Avinu’s twin, Eisav.

Let’s also leave aside - for now - the question of TIMCHEH, eradicate the memory of Amalek from under the heavens. There are issues of whom this mitzva applies to: the king of Israel, the people as a whole (its Sanhedrin), and/or the individual Jew. There is also the significant issue of our inability to identify an actual descendant of Amalekk in our time. In addition, there is the opinion of the Brisker Rav that no one can fulfill this mitzva until instructed so by a Navi speaking in G-d’s name.

But if we focus on the mitzvot of Zachor and Lo Tishkach - Remember and Do not forget, we will still be able to define Amalek, and more significantly, to define what we are supposed to remember, what we are supposed to never forget, and even what we are supposed to try to rid the world of.
Add this to our analysis: An Amaleki who observes and is committed to the 7 Noahide Laws “for the sake of HaShem, the G-d of Israel, is not subject to the command of TIMCHEH, wipe out.

An Amaleki (who has never fought against Israel) who wants to convert to Judaism, can be accepted. And such a convert does not even have the restrictions of marriage that converts from Amon and Moav have.

To the point. Let’s take the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (you deal with the pronunciation) as an example. Is he a descendant of Amalek? We don’t know. End of story? Not quite. Do we include him in our vigilance against forgetting what Amalek did (and what they wanted to do!)? Definitely. Do we include him when we are in the process of remembering? Definitely. The litmus test is not his lineage, it is his remarkable resemblance to Amalek and his grandfather and his descendant. When we hear Ahmadinejad talk about the destruction of Israel, we hear Eisav talking. We hear Amalek attacking. We hear Haman desiring to destroy every man, woman, and child - the nation of Mordechai. We hear Hitler ranting and raving, and, sadly, doing, as well.

And even if we can’t wipe him - and others like him - out, we certainly can and must work towards neutralizing him, fighting anti-Semitism and Anti-Israel attitude and behavior, with renewed commitment. ZACHOR is not paying lip- service to an idea - it is remembering and never forgetting so that we will prevail over the Amalek’s in the world. Yehoshua weakened them, David HaMelech had partial success, Shaul almost, but not quite. Mordechai and Esther triumphed, but the battle against Amalek is MIDOR DOR, from generation to generation.

And we must always remember that G-d not only commanded us to TIMCHEH, but He also promised EMCHEH, that He will “fight”, as well. And the Torah identifies the fight against Amalek as MILCHAMA LASHEM BAAMALEK, it is G-d’s battle against the evil of Amalek, and we are His allies in this fight.

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• A Brief Look Back at Chanuka