As we get ready for Purim we read a special portion of the Torah called Parshat Zachor. It is the story of Amalek, and the commandment to get rid of this enemy.
Amalek is the nation that attacked the Jewish people out of pure hatred. They represent the enemies of the Jewish people that want to stamp out the Jewish message.
We may have experienced this type of enemy in our lives. As a nation we may be facing this type of enemy right now.
The sages teach us that Amalek’s main goal was not just to physically harm the Jewish people but more importantly to cause us to doubt ourselves and our mission.
The idea of doubting ourselves and Amalek are very closely related. The Gematria (numerical value) of the Hebrew word Amalek is 240. And the Gematria of the Hebrew word doubt (ספק) is 240.
When the Torah tells us about Amalek, it is teaching us to fight the self-doubting. The enemy knows that the Jewish people are a beacon of light and truth to the world.
How can they stop us from fulfilling our mission?
With sowing doubts into hearts and minds.
We cannot allow the terror and hatred to doubt ourselves. That would be a win for the enemy.
The Talmud (Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 4:2) says, “There is no joy greater than the resolution of doubts.”
When we are strengthened from within we can experience a joy without those inner doubts.
So when we want to do a good deed or deepen our connection through Prayer or community, don’t let the doubt seep in. Chase the doubt away you have won the battle against Amalek.
Shabbat Shalom.
