Shabbat Zachor – Zachor, Lo Tishkach
This Shabbat is called Shabbat Zachor, which means ”The Shabbat of Remembering.”
We take out a second Torah scroll and read the Maftir from the Book of Deuteronomy (chapters 25:17-19) in which it says, “Remember what the nation of Amalek did to you on the way when you were leaving Egypt…They attacked all the weaklings at your rear when you were faint and exhausted and they did not fear G-d… Do not forget”
We must remember that tragically, every generation has its Amalek. Amalek comes in different shapes and guises. Sometimes it is Haman, sometimes it’s Hitler, and nowadays, it is rabid anti-Semites who are once again resurfacing all over the world. One thing is certain - until Moshiach comes, there will always be an Amalek, and the Torah adjures us not to be tolerant of the evil he represents. Therefore, on Shabbat Zachor, we must all hear this passage read from the Torah which proclaims, “Remember – Do not forget!” and commit ourselves to be forces of justice and righteousness.
