Bs”d
Parshas Terumah (Parshas Zachor) 5761
By Mordechai Dolinsky
In our parsha amongst the commandments of the Mishkan we have the menorah. From its function as a giver of light we can see the extreme magnitude of its importance. Light represents clarity, revelation of the truth.
The specifications of the kaylim, although pure commandments, have lessons. The construction must be done with the utmost precision to the contrast to the lessons, which are open to originality.
The Menorah contained goblets, knobs, and flowers. Perhaps we can say the cups represent the trait of being a “mushpah”; the ability and the yearning to be a receiver of attitudes and knowledge. The flowers are at the other end of the spectrum, the trait of producing and giving out. Both traits although opposites are vital and of the utmost importance. The knob, a circle, represents the ability to have and use both, appropriately.
Now for a thought on Parshas Zachor. Amalek, besides being an actual wicked nation is also a form of evilness that can be a mental attitude or action. Unfortunately any human is vulnerable to this even a member of Klal Yisroel. What exactly this trait is, is open to speculation and it is imperative for us to try to pin-point and understand it.
Perhaps the most important objective as humans is to use our mental abilities to the utmost that all our endeavors make logical sense. We might not always succeed in this but at least it must be out goal. Sometime we witness an individual or group doing things that do not make any sense; they make no attempt to make use of mental capacities or capabilities. To be guilty of this is an atrocity of the worst nature.
Amalek of old was guilty of this likewise was Haman, Hitler, and the cruel contemporaries. Unfortunately, we might find this shortcoming even among ourselves.
Have we bulls-eyed on the essence of Amalek?
We should be zochech to see its complete eradication and the ultimate of giluy HaShem through Mashiach Tzidkainu.