We must now try to understand the deeper underlying connection between Moses’ splitting of the sea and Maimonides’ writing of his magnum opus. On the surface, these two events represent totally different genres of might. The first is the power to control nature and the latter is the power to codify Jewish law.
Why was Amalek singled out from all nations that fought with the Jews to be eradicated? * We will remember Amalek as an encouragement for our learning as a reminder from history as to what happens if Jews do not toil in Torah.
For the unsophisticated and unlettered amongst us, the cynics come along and mock our sincere faith in the imminent coming of Moshiach. The Philistine cynicism and scorn has no substance and it can invade. (The word Philistine actually means “invaders”—the minds and heart of those who are not able to respond logically to their taunts.) To counter these efforts, we need a healthy dose of holy chutzpah.
L’chaim! May we all join forces to combat Amalek, beginning with the one contained within each of us, and through that, obliterate the evil in the world, and may this Purim be overshadowed by the greater Geula with the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu Teikef U’miyad Mamash!
January 7, 2014