This past Shabbat we reviewed the talk given by Rabbi Daniel Lapin to the Tzadik Class last week. I was astonished at the Rabbi’s effortless review of The Spirit of Amalek from the pages of Scripture and the record of world history.

One feature of his discussion was consistent with other Orthodox Rabbis we have heard. There seems to be a lack of condemnation when a person or a nation does terrible things if their actions are consistent with G-d’s description of their divine mission. Such is the case with the Amalekite and those motivated by this Spirit of Amalek, or as the Apostle Sha’ul puts it, the Spirit of Anti-Messiah. This does not mean that the behavior is correct or condoned, just expected. This is expressed by Rabbi David Aaron in Living a Joyous Life,

Every nation has a different role in the world and a unique way of serving G-d.

Accepting this concept seems difficult for me, but we see it throughout the Scriptures. The most recent in the Torah portions would be Egypt and Pharaoh. HaShem specifically states that He would be glorified through Pharaoh’s actions and that Egypt would display the power of G-d. Such is the case with the Amalekite. I understand that we should expect sinners will sin, but it seems more of a Jewish perspective that this may be the divine mission for these persons at the present time. My focus should be on my walk and fulfilling G-d’s mission for me and my family.

Another point that Rabbi Lapin made was the inseparable connection between time and space. He reminded us that the Hebrew olam is both ‘forever’ and ‘universe.’ It is time and space. His exposition then launched off the meaning of the compound Hebrew word rephadim in parashiot Beshelach and Yitro and explained the ongoing relationship and divine mission of the sons of Yaacov and the sons of Esav from the account of Yitzchak’s blessing of these men. Think ‘hands’ and ‘voice’ and you’ll appreciate the symmetry of the Spirit of Amalek.

Once again, I was thwarted in recording a visiting Rabbi. I’m over the angst and meloncholy now and those of you at the Portion Discussion yesterday did a great job of reviewing the entire talk for everyone else. The audio will be on the Bella Torah site later today. After listening to the audio, you should be able to list four characteristics of the Amalekite and defend each from Scripture and history.

We are NOT meeting this Tuesday for those of you who would like to be with your wife on Valentine’s Day. I will be traveling to Florida for the first half of the week. Scott Martin is completing his talk on finances next week (2/21) and will provide a time of Q&A for us.

Shavuah tov,

Yosef ben Yosef