This week we will read Parshas Zachor which recounts the attack that the Amalekite nation waged against the Jewish People when they left Egypt. All of the nations of the world were afraid of the Jewish People as they saw that they were clearly being guided by Hashem, but Amalek was not afraid. Chazal offer a parable of a hot tub of water which everyone was afraid to jump into. Once one person jumped in it cooled the water off for everyone else. In the same way once Amalek attacked the Jewish People it cooled down their perception among the nations. The result was that the nations were no longer afraid of the Jewish People.

It is the power of Amalek to cool down and belittle all that is holy. Throughout life we are met with instances of great inspiration to change, improve and become better people. We are excited and ready to work but then the voices start to tell us "there is no rush",  "what is all the excitement about", "it isn't so important" etc. This is the Amalek inside us trying to cool us down so we don't change for the better. It is our job to wipe out Amalek and not let ourselves cool off from the inspiration and motivation we receive to improve.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath