Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
1. This week's Torah portion is Tetzaveh, the eighth parasha in the book of Exodus.
2. Most of this parasha is describes the garments of the Kohen Gadol or High Priest. The Torah attributes great significance to the magnificent, if not kingly, appearance of the High Priest. There are commentators who say that the garments of the High Priest are represented today by the clothes we wear on Shabbat. On this holy day, we dress in a most respectful and celebratory manner as a means of honoring the majesty of Shabbat.
3. This coming Shabbat precedes Purim and is known as Shabbat Zachor.(Shabbat of Remembrance). In addition to the regular Torah portion, we read a passage from Deuteronomy that begins with the words: "Remember what Amalek did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt"; and ends with the words: "Obliterate the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; do not forget." Immediately following the Exodus, Amalek attacked us. Since the villainous Haman is a descendant of Amalek, reading this passage is a reminder of our perpetual war against evil.
4. Our commentators explain that Amalek is not only an enemy nation, but the enemy that resides within our hearts and minds -- anything that tries to weaken us, interfere with our mission, or cause us to forget who we are and what we are meant to do. It is this confusion and doubt that we are commanded to oblliterate.
5. This Shabbat is followed by a special week: the Fast of Esther on Monday, the celebration of Purim on Tuesday (except for Jerusalem), and the celebration of Shushan Purim in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
Shabbat shalom and have a happy Purim.
