1. The Halachic Premise: Why is "Remembering" a Separate Mitzvah?
The four Parshiot read in Adar stem from the nature of the month itself. Specifically regarding Parshat Zachor, he poses a fundamental difficulty in Maimonides' (Rambam) counting of the commandments. The Rambam lists destroying Amalek and remembering Amalek as two distinct mitzvot. However, the Rambam also explains that the purpose of "remembering" is to arouse hatred and motivation for the war. If remembering is merely a preparation or a method for the war, standard Halachic principles dictate it should not be counted separately. The fact that it is suggests that "Remembering Amalek" has an independent value and essence beyond just being a prelude to physical warfare.
2. The Conflict of "Reshit" (Beginning)
The core of the lecture analyzes the metaphysical clash between Israel and Amalek through the concept of Reshit (Beginning/Primacy).
Divine Reshit: The Torah begins with "Bereishit Bara Elohim" (In the beginning, God created). This establishes that the world is a creation (Nivra). Its existence is not absolute or necessary; it exists only because God wills it. This realization leads to Yirah (Fear/Awe) and Boshet (Shame/Humility)—the understanding that "I am not the source of my own existence."
Amalek's Reshit: Balaam calls Amalek "Reshit Goyim" (the first of nations). Amalek represents the antithesis of creation. They claim necessary, independent existence. They deny that they are created beings reliant on a higher power. They represent the concept of "Mikreh" (chance)—that things just are, without a Creator or purpose.
3. Yirah (Fear/Awe) vs. Arrogance
The Rabbi explains a wordplay in the Tikkunei Zohar: the letters of Bereishit (בראשית) can be rearranged to spell Yere Boshet (ירא בשת – Feared/Ashamed).
True Existence: The Jewish perception of existence is rooted in Yirah. When one stands at Mount Sinai, the "Fear of God" is upon their faces so they do not sin. This "fear" is a deep existential shame (Boshet Panim)—an acknowledgment that one's existence is entirely derived from God. This is the "beginning of wisdom."
Amalek's Perception: The verse describes Amalek as "V'lo Yare Elohim" (and he did not fear God). Amalek has no shame because he views his existence as absolute. This is the ultimate arrogance. He disconnects the "beginning" from God and claims it for himself.
4. The War of Consciousness
The war with Amalek is not just a physical battle; it is a battle over the definition of reality.
"Asher Karcha BaDerech": The Torah describes Amalek's attack with the word Karcha (happened to you/cooled you). The Rabbi interprets this as introducing the philosophy of Mikreh (coincidence/randomness) into the world. Amalek tries to "cool down" the burning awareness of Divine Providence that Israel possessed after the Exodus.
Maimonides' Intent: The Rabbi resolves the initial question about the Rambam. The mitzvah to "Remember" is separate because the war against Amalek is primarily a war of consciousness. We must "remember" and "hate" the philosophy that denies God's sovereignty. We must actively reject the idea of random existence and cultivate the Yirah and Boshet that acknowledge God as the true Reshit.
5. Haman, Mordechai, and Purim
The lecture connects this to the Purim story:
Haman: Representing Amalek, Haman demands that everyone bow to him. He seeks to make himself the absolute "Reshit," the center of existence.
Mordechai: "Lo yichra v'lo yishtachave" (He would not kneel or bow). Mordechai refuses to validate Haman's claim to absolute existence. By refusing, he upholds the truth that only God is the Reshit.
Adar: The month of Adar is a time to uproot the Amalekite perception. It is a time to reveal that what looks like "nature" or "chance" (Amalek's view) is actually guided by Divine Providence (Israel's view).
Conclusion
The destruction of Amalek is the destruction of the lie of independent existence. We are commanded to wipe out the "Reshit" of the nations (Amalek) to establish the true "Bereishit" of God. This requires a mental and emotional state of "Zachor"—constant awareness of the enemy's philosophy and a burning rejection of it, ensuring we attribute all existence solely to the Creator. [עפ"י תורת מו"ר הגרמ"ש זצ"ל]
