This is Shabbat Zachor. We are commanded to remember to blot out the memory of Amalek and not to forget. We are not to forget to remember and we are to remember not to forgeThis is Shabbat Zachor. We are commanded to remember to blot out the memory of Amalek and not to forget. We are not to forget to remember and we are to remember not to forget.
Confused? Why would we want to remember utter horror and pain? Is it healthy to dwell in bitter memories? But better and safer perhaps to not forget them.
Is Judaism a faith of vengeance? What of forgiveness? Is there an evil so great that there is no forgiveness?
How does Amalek and remembering our eternal struggle with evil and baseless hatred relate to Purim? Obvious, huh? Of course, Haman was thought to be an Amalekite, but that is too easy. Is there more? God defeats the Amalekites, but how was the plot of Haman and the evil decree of Achashverosh thwarted?
Where is God in the Purim story? Perhaps even more importantly, where is God in your story? Do you see the hand of God as your life unfolds?
So many of us have the elementary school version of the Purim story in our brain, but the real story is so much deeper and complex. Make this year the year that you dig deeper to understand the story and what it means to us TODAY.
Remember to join us for all of our Purim Festivities at B’nai Moshe, Adat Shalom Synagogue and throughout the community this weekend.
Remember Lazer Lloyd, Israel’s King of Blues will be performing at B’nai Moshe Saturday night as part of the Purim celebration and at the Purim Carnival at Adat Shalom on Sunday.
Remember there is a special tradition on Shabbat Zachor – a Minhag Yisrael — for everyone, even those exempt from time bound, positive mitzvot, to come to synagogue to hear the special Maftir read this week containing the commandment to remember!
Remember to join us at Adat Shalom Synagogue for a fabulous Torah Study. Don’t forget! 9:45 a.m. in the Shiffman Chapel. Rabbi Shere leads our Torah Study this Shabbat Zachor and focuses on some other relevant messages on this week’s Parasha that describes the garments of the Priesthood in detail. “Where the hidden is revealed and the revealed is hidden–when our clothes become our costumes and our costumes become our clothes. Perhaps she will weave our Purim traditions into the fabric of the garments.
Remember to be grateful for everything and everyone you have in your life.
I am grateful for all of you.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameyach!
Paul
Paul Magy's Shabbat Torah Study in the "D" 