How many times does the nation of Amalek rear its head in the Torah?
We are all familiar with the battle of Amalek following the miracle of the splitting of the Reed Sea. Amalek, our arch ideological enemy, seeks to thwart the revelation at Sinai, when we assume the role of being a light unto the nations. Last week, the spies instill fear in the people by warning them of Amalek's proximity to the land of Israel. Yet, there is one more appearance of Amalek in this week's Parsha and its lesson is eternal.
Throughout history, Amalek appears at pivotal and historic junctures. Amalek reared its head in the time of King Saul before the establishment of the first Temple. Amalek appears again in the time of Mordechai and Esther prior to the rebuilding of the second Temple and in the guise of the Nazis prior to the return to the land of Israel after 2,000 years. Amalek senses moment of destiny of Israel and seeks to deny our mission.
In each case, one of the most important factors in fighting our enemies is the unity of the Jewish people. When we are divided, we are much more vulnerable to those who seek our annihilation.
This factor is front and center in this week's Parsha. Amalek seizes the opportunity of the death of Aaron to attack. The Torah states in Chapter 21, "The King of Arad heard..." Rashi explains that this nation was Amalek who heard Aaron died and that the protective cloud of glory left the Jewish people.
On one level, Amalek saw the absence of the cloud as a vulnerability of the Jewish people. On a deeper level, Amalek understood the power of Aaron and hoped with him no longer alive, they would succeed in defeating Israel.
Aaron's strength was his love for every Jew no matter their ability or background. He insured that "no Jew" was left behind. As Ethics of our Fathers teaches, "Be a student of Aharon - Love Peace, Pursue Peace, Love Humanity and Bring them Close to Torah."
While Aharon was alive, Amalek knew the Jews were united. Once he died, they sensed that perhaps without his living spirit, the Jews would abandon those on the margins of the community. In fact, when Amalek first attacks upon leaving Egypt, they prey upon the tired and weary.
The Jews with the help of God pushed back against Amalek. They internalized Aharon's message. When our enemies understand that we will care for everyone and that we remain committed to the protection of everyone in our community, we will be strengthened as people forever.
As we approach the beginning of the three weeks next Sunday, July 21st with the fast of the 17th of Tamuz, it is another reminder of the lingering tragedy of infighting and a fractured Jewish people and our responsibility in our lives and community to forge bonds of unity and love.
Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Daniel Cohen
