Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'Remember what Amalek did to you' mean?
A: This verse commands us to remember the attack by Amalek on the Jewish people shortly after they left Egypt (Exodus 17:8-16). Amalek attacked the weak and vulnerable at the rear of the camp, showing cruelty and lack of fear of G-d. Rashi explains that remembering this event reminds us to oppose evil and stand up for justice.
Q: Why is remembering Amalek important in Judaism?
A: Remembering Amalek is a Torah commandment (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) because it teaches us about fighting evil and not being indifferent to cruelty. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings 5:5) explains that we must eradicate Amalek's ideology of hatred. The Talmud (Megillah 18a) also discusses the importance of remembering Amalek through public Torah readings.
Q: How do we fulfill the commandment to remember Amalek today?
A: We fulfill this mitzvah in several ways: 1) By reading the Torah portion about Amalek (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) each year on the Shabbat before Purim (called Shabbat Zachor), 2) Through the Megillah reading on Purim, as Haman was a descendant of Amalek, and 3) By being vigilant against hatred and oppression in our times, as taught by Jewish tradition.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Amalek's attack?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Ki Teitzei 9) teaches that Amalek attacked when the Jewish people were doubting G-d's presence ('Is G-d among us or not?' - Exodus 17:7). This teaches us that weakness in faith invites challenges. We learn to strengthen our trust in G-d and protect the vulnerable in society, as Amalek specifically targeted those who were weak.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Amalek's attack 'on the way' out of Egypt?
A: Rashi explains that the phrase 'on the way' emphasizes that Amalek attacked when the Jewish people were tired and vulnerable during their journey. The Kli Yakar adds that this shows Amalek's cowardice - they attacked when Israel was unprepared. This teaches us about the nature of evil, which often strikes when people are at their weakest point.
Understanding the Command to Remember Amalek
The verse (Devarim 25:17) commands us to remember the evil deeds of Amalek, who attacked Bnei Yisrael shortly after their exodus from Mitzrayim. Rashi explains that Amalek's attack was particularly heinous because they targeted the weak and weary at the rear of the camp, showing no fear of Hashem despite witnessing the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim. This act demonstrated their cruelty and rejection of divine justice.
The Nature of Amalek's Sin
Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:4) emphasizes that Amalek's war against Israel was not for territorial gain but purely out of hatred for the Jewish people and their covenant with Hashem. The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Teitzei 9) adds that Amalek cooled the fear of other nations toward Israel—like one who jumps into a boiling bath, making it bearable for others to follow. Their attack diminished the awe of Hashem's miracles in the eyes of the nations.
The Eternal Battle Against Amalek
The Talmud (Megillah 18a) teaches that the mitzvah to remember Amalek applies in every generation. The Chofetz Chaim explains that Amalek represents the ideology of doubt and cynicism (keri, as hinted in Devarim 25:18), which seeks to undermine emunah. Thus, the battle is both physical and spiritual:
Practical Observance
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 603) details two mitzvot related to Amalek:
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 685:7) rules that we read Parshat Zachor on the Shabbat before Purim to connect Haman's (a descendant of Amalek) defeat to this eternal struggle.