Parshat Tetzaveh-Shabbat Zachor-Internal Satiation

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Parshat Tetzaveh-Shabbat Zachor-Internal Satiation


 Edoth, or testimony, is defined within the Torah through symbolic acts and creations that are meant to be commemorated through Man’s pursuit.[i] During these weeks we read about the Tabernacle; the glitch in the physical realm where Man and G-d meet. The great detail that is put into the Tabernacle can be cumulatively qualified as Edoth. In addition to the curtains, rings, poles, woods, colors, fabrics and metals each one symbolizes another aspect of Man and G-d. The Tabernacle also embodies what Man is capable of creating—even after captivity and impurity. The creation of the Tabernacle is a constant reminder of how great Mankind is and can be. Amelek, on the other hand, is a constant Divinely commanded reminder of how vulnerable and weak Mankind is. Through this we stand as witnesses to testify before ourselves and the Almighty our greatness, and smallness.

 “Remember that which Amalek did too you, on the way when you came out of Egypt, for they met you on the way.”[ii]

Amelek challenges us only when we are “on the way,” when we are in the process of completing a task. Often times our heart is set to accomplish a task, but then, when we “are on the way” to finishing it, a ugly and familiar voice enters our mind saying: “I know you committed to three miles on the treadmill and the machine reads ‘2.46,’ but let’s get real, you!? Complete this task!? Comn! Be realistic! You will never get there” just as we are leaving Egypt and reclaiming an identity, just as we are “on the way” to receiving the greatest treasure for our efforts, Amelek goes blue-screen, and we define our ending before we even experience its beginning.

Shabbat Zachor indeed can be defined as a time dedicated to rematerializing the infiltration of skepticism and disbelief caused by the nation of Amelek, but in actuality, Zachor (memory) serves us another purpose. In many unpleasant or traumatic situations there are two factors that we must consider: That which we can control, and that which we cannot control. A war against Amelek was out of our hands, but why Amelek was given the opportunity only deems those responsible who allowed such vulnerability to be created. Remembering the doubt that Amelek placed in our bloodstream is the conscious and proactive choice to wonder “what about my decisions and thought processes allowed for Amelek to attack my equanimity, let alone succeed!?”

 We spend much of our day recalling the past and preparing for the future. When an event leaves an impression on us we desire to record it; to concretize its purpose, and follow it through our journals, history books, organizational databases and at times, our not so reliable hippocampus. Each and every one of us (assuming you are a human being) have challenges. Avoiding these challenges is a disservice to your greater life purpose. Shabbat Zachor cannot remove the Amelek within, because only we as individuals are capable of doing that, but what Zechira can do is enable you to survey your mind and reveal your unhealthy space where Amelek dwells in order to prevent a further internal battle.

Shabbat Zachor is moments before Purim because total redemption and brotherhood (and sisterhood) is impossible if we cannot remove the doubt of self and others from our midst. How can I sing, dance and drink to my heart’s content if my heart cannot fathom what it means to be content? How can I hug my fellow Jew with such elation if I myself am uncertain of such love for self? It is with certainty that there will be moments of doubt and failure in your life, but discerning why certain things takes place can help you lessen the struggles and lower the consequences, all you have to do is remember!

 This Week I Will Try to: ask myself “how did I allow Amelek to enter my heart in past times? What makes me vulnerable and doubtful, and are they worthy enough of restricting me from my greatness?” As Purim approaches, I must recall my oppressors for the sake of preventing further oppression. I must know wholeness of self in order to experience that same wholeness with others. “Sons of Man” know in your heart, you may drink, smoke and eat all the days of Purim, but it will not fill you, it is through internal work that you will become satiated.

 Shabbat Shalom!

 [i] Shabbat, Holidays, Tefillin, Mezuzah etc. Edut/Edoth/Edus have the synonym Oat/Oas—Oat Hi Lolam (Shabbat).

 [ii] Devarim 25:17-18

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