Parshat Ki Tetze: How and Why we Remember

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“Zachor” – Three times parshat Ki Tetze instructs us to remember a pivotal event in biblical history. When the Torah says “zachor” it wishes to convey a moral and spiritual awareness to carry with us always. 

First, we are instructed to remember (zachor) what God did to Miriam in the desert, when she was punished for speaking lashon ha-ra (slander) against her brother Moshe. Second, when the parsha presents a list of mitzvot regarding how to treat the stranger, orphan, and widow, these commandments are framed by the charge to remember (zachor) that we were once slaves in Egypt.  Third, the parsha ends with the instruction to remember (zachor) what Amalek did to us on the journey out of Egypt – they lacked fear of God and attacked the Jewish people at their weakest. 

Ramban sees deep meaning in the word “zachor” and comments: zachor signifies that these memories — the story of pure evil (Amalek) and the story of evil speech (Miriam) — must be actively remembered and verbally conveyed to future generations, underscoring their seriousness. While other commentators view the command to remember Miriam’s lashon ha-ra as a recommendation, Ramban argues that it is one of the 613 mitzvot. A similar point is applied to the third zachor, remembering that we were slaves in Egypt, which we verbally recall in daily tefillah and at the Passover seder. This zachor compels us to be particularly sensitive to the plight of the vulnerable and reinforces the value of freedom.

Actively remembering these three episodes may have held different meanings for different generations. Today, we can internalize their messages as follows: 1) We remember acts of evil and hatred against us to protect ourselves and in hope of a better future, 2) We must be mindful of how we speak about our brothers and sisters, and 3) We must remember our right to be a free people in our own land. Shabbat Shalom -Karen Miller Jackson

Shabbat Zachor: Open Hearts to the World

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The Shabbat before Purim is known as Shabbat Zachor (one of 4 special Shabbatot beginning in the month of Adar). In addition to parshat Vayikra, the Torah reading this Shabbat includes the imperative “zachor,” to remember what Amalek did to the Jewish people. Why must this memory be expressed out loud and publicly? 

There is a clear thematic connection between Purim and Amalek. The megilla refers to Haman as “Agagi,” which is interpreted as descending from Agag, king of Amalek in Tanach. Amalek in the Torah was the epitome of evil, preying on the weak and vulnerable Israel who had just left Egypt. The rabbinic sages develop this further and characterize Haman as the archetype of antisemitism and baseless hatred. Purim marks our survival and victory over Haman. Yet, before we begin the full-blown celebrations, we pause and remember Amalek’s evil and cruelty. Rambam explains that the purpose of reading parshat Zachor each year is to not only remember the story but to rouse our emotions and to ensure that such evil behavior does not recur in the world. By remembering verbally, we internalize the message of condemning evil. 

Two other occurrences in the Torah of the command “zachor” reinforce the significance of verbalizing to remember. The Torah states “Remember the Shabbat day,” and the Talmud teaches that this is fulfilled through saying the words of kiddush out loud. Similarly, the mitzvah to tell the story of the Exodus on seder night, is one of the ways to fulfill the mitzvah to remember yetziat mitzrayim.

The Torah uses repetitive language with regard to Amalek, “Remember” and “Do not forget.” The midrash Sifrei interprets this as: “Remember” – with one’s mouth and “Do not forget” – with one’s heart. Just before we celebrate, this is an opportunity to be aware of and speak up about the cruelty happening in the world and ensure that our hearts are open. Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach! -Karen Miller Jackson