By: Eli Seidman | HA Member

This week’s parsha is Parshat Tetzaveh. The parsha speaks about the clothing of the Kohen and describes what exactly is worn. Other key highlights in the parsha is the seven day process of Aharon and his sons into the Kehuna as well as the making of the Mizbeach Haketoret. 

In addition to the regular torah portion this week, we also read about remembering what Amalek did to Bnei Yisrael after they left Egypt. The Shabbat before Purim is known as Shabbat Zachor. There is a commandment to remember the story of the battle of Amalek and to not forget it. According to the Sefer Hachinuch, there is no place in the torah where it says how often one needs to remember Amalek. The sefer Hachinuch points out that there is a range of poskim. All poskim agree that it needs to be said for sure one time before Purim others say it needs to be said up to three times during a 12 month period. 

There is no coincidence that Parshat Zachor is read right before the holiday of Purim. Haman, the protagonist of the Purim story planned to get rid of the Jewish people. Haman was a descendant of Amalek. Similarly, in the battle against Amalek in Rephidim, their plan was to wipe out Bnei Yisrael. 

The reading of Parshat Zachor is a positive Torah commandment. We read it so that we can remember that it happened and to also recognize that we are still here. As much as our enemies try to annihilate us time and time again, they have never succeeded and they never will. The Jewish people are here to stay, and when Parshat Zachor is read every year, it strengthens that message even more.

Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach!