From The Rabbi’s Study… February 19, 2021/7 Adar 5781
Shabbat Zachor (Sabbat of Remembrance)
Torah:Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19)
The Shabbat before Purim every Jew is obligated to remove any memory of the wicked Amalek people. These people attacked us from the rear thus killing our children, women and elderly, while the fighting force of our men were in the front lines trying to protect their loved ones. The enemy made our soldiers disheartened by this horrific warfare. One that we will never forget.
Years later an Amalekite by the name Haman(Boooooo) attempted to annihilate every Jew in the 127 provinces in Ahasuerus’ kingdom. And yet a Jewish woman that hid her identity became the Queen we know as Esther. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah! Those that rise up against us have long perished and disappeared. That is why today it is so important that each of call out those that support Anti-Semitism or make light of those that speak against the Jewish people and Israel.
The reminder that we read this Shabbat is that the Jewish people may be weak and few at times, we may have all odds against us, but G-d will continue to protect us and enable us to persevere. There may be ups and downs in our history, but G-d helps us come through all adversities. This was true in the past, and will no doubt continue to be the case in the future.
Today, we have the Covid 19 virus, and many people are receiving vaccines and others that caught the virus are being given good treatments for recovery.
Next Thursday evening, February 25th is the erev of Purim… Jews throughout the world will be celebrating Purim for two days. Make your Hamentashen, drink and be merry since we are commanded to do so. We will be celebrating Purim together at the Fire Lake Park on Sunday, February 28 at 2pm. Make sure you wear your face mask. Wrap your shalach manot/ Purim gifts and goodies. We have to maintain healthy safety for everyone! My relative will be making a surprise visit on Purim…I do not know which one, we will all have to see who will be reading the ganze megillah!
This week many people have lost their lives and many people have no heat and electricity in Texas and other areas due to snowstorm and ice storms. Misherberot for all that are suffering that they should have a speedy recovery, and prayers for those that lost their lives.
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
