In preparation for the annual Mitzvah of reading Parshas Zachor, we provide the following important points:

1. The opportunity to read Parshas Zachor is of such great significance that, according to the Mishne Berurah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 685, seif katan 16), if one can only come to hear either Parshas Zachor or the reading of the Megillah, one should go to hear Parshas Zachor.

2. There is a Mitzvas Aseh, a positive Torah commandment, to always remember the wicked deeds of the people of Amalek and their attack upon us, to arouse our hatred of them--as they were the first to attack us without fear after the nations quaked and trembled over us (as described in Oz Yoshir, the Song of the Sea). See Rambam Hilchos Melachim 5:5, SMAG Mitzvas Aseh 115, Chayei Odom 151:2.

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 603) writes that one of the purposes of this Mitzvah is for us to recognize that one who causes pain to Klal Yisroel is despised by Hashem, and according to the level of enmity against Klal Yisroel is their level of destruction. Since Amaleks enmity of us was greater than that of all other nations, they are to be obliterated. Indeed, the Ramban (end of Parshas Ki Setzeh) writes that we should teach our children and future generations--so did the Rosha to us, and that is why we have been commanded to erase his name.

3. There is a Mitzvas Lo Saseh, a Torah prohibition, of Lo Tishkach--not to forget the deeds of Amalek. This means that we should not forget to despise them despite the passage of time, and to remember that Hashem saved us from them, and that we will eventually avenge their deeds and eradicate them. See SMAK 53 and Sefer Yereim 189.

4. One should review the words of Parshas Zachor (with Rashi and/or other meforshim) before the laining. We suggest reviewing it at the Leil Shabbos Seudah in order that you and/or others are prepared for the laining, since the Mitzvah is to arouse within us both a strong reaction to their despicable deeds, and our obligation to eradicate them. Indeed, the Maharam Shick writes that we do not make a special Brocha on this Mitzvah because we do not make a Brocha on Hashchosa--acts of destruction.

5. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 6:4) writes that an Amaleki who makes peace with Klal Yisroel and accepts the seven Mitzvos Bnei Noach is not to be hurt. In fact, some learn that the reason that the descendents of Haman learned Torah in Bnei Brak (Gittin 57B) is because they were the descendents of those sons of Haman who did not fight against Klal Yisroel (Adar UPurim p. 68).

6. The Mitzvah of Mechias Amalek, eradicating the Sonei Hashem and Sonei Yisroel--those pure haters of Hashem and His people--began with Moshe Rabbeinu and Yehoshua, continued in the times of Shaul HaMelech, Dovid HaMelech and in the times of Purim, and we will be Zoche to complete it in the times of Moshiach (SMAG-Mitzvas Lo Saaseh 226). As these are days of Nissim and Geulah--miracles and redemption, may we be Zoche to do all the Mitzvos of Hashem with Moshiach leading and teaching us, speedily in our days.

For further detail see Sefer Adar UPurim by HaRav Yoel Schwartz, Shlita, upon which this bulletin is based. For the enlightening words of the Ramban on the relationship between the war against Amalek and the end of our current Golus Edom, see the Ramban in Shemos 17:9.

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