Rabbi Howard Morrison

On this Shabbat, we are commanded to remember the evil of Amalek. While this evil nation heinously attacked the Israelites from behind soon after our people were liberated from Egypt, they lost in the annals of history.

In the Haftarah, Amalek and its king, Agag, are rooted out during the era of Samuel and Saul.

In the Book of Esther, Haman, a descendent of the Amalekite king, Agag, is ultimately defeated, along with his followers.

As we approach the holiday of Purim, a miracle did happen, and the bravery of Mordecai and Esther are celebrated from generation to generation.

While many innocents are tragically dying in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ultimately, we have to believe that evil will be uprooted. With the leadership of Mordecai and Esther in mind,  the world needs to follow the leadership of President Zelenskyy and support his valiant fight against Putin.

Just maybe, when we recite "Al Hanisim - For the miracles" on Purim, we can have in mind that Purim wins and Putin is vanquished.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison