Ki-Teitzei
This week's Parsha finishes with the commandment to remember Amalek. "You shall remember what Amalek did to you on the way, when you went out of Egypt" (Devarim 25:17)
This arch enemy of the Jewish People, in an unprovoked attack, surprised and preyed on the weak and vulnerable members of the nation as they left Egypt. The section about Amalek makes up the final part of our Parsha. The verses immediately prior talk about something entirely different, honesty in one's transactions.
When buying and selling commodities, units are divided by weight. A dishonest merchant could create two weights, using the bigger one for buying and the smaller for selling, thus benefiting by keeping for himself the margin between the two.
Therefore the verse states: "You shall not keep in your pouch two different weights, one large and one small." (Devarim 25:13) It is forbidden to even own weights that are marked the same, when in fact they are different.
In a puzzling statement, the Midrash tells us that being lax on this commandment, and having two measuring stones, opens the door and creates the opportunity for Amalek to attack us.
What is this so? Why is having two measuring stones, considered so grave to bring about something as severe as an invasion by Amalek?
The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains the Midrash's statement and illustrates how spiritually these two ideas are linked together.
Amalek represents the antithesis of all that is spiritual and holy. Instead of inspiration and belief, Amalek throws cold water on spiritual enthusiasm and tries to constantly sow doubts within us. How is this accomplished?
The beginning of Amalek's intrusion, says the Rebbe, starts with "having two measuring stones." Not feeling satisfied with our quest for material acquisitions, while we placate our spiritual side with a token nod in its direction, is the calling card of Amalek.
To insulate ourselves from Amalek, we need to ensure that we only have one measuring stone. This is of extreme importance in matters of education. The same focus and attention we give to enrichment programs and after school activities in secular matters, needs to be shown towards our children's Jewish education.
When we act this way, and only have "one measuring stone," showing the same importance to spiritual matters and particularly "Chinuch," Jewish education, we are assured that there is no room for Amalek, guaranteeing a strong, secure, and healthy Jewish future.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation