Perashat Ki Tisse 5778

Perashat Ki Tisse 5778

Perhaps one of the most famous rhymes in England's history is one that begins, "Remember, remember, the fifth of November...". It asks the people twice to "Remember, remember" the treachery of Guy Fawkes, and his part in a failed plot to blow up the House of Lords, and with it King James I, nearly 400 years ago.

Our Perasha trumps this famous poem. In it the Torah asks us to "Remember, Remember, Remember".

Don't gather all of your food produce. Leave some for the unfortunate and downtrodden. REMEMBER you were once a slave. (Debarim 24:22)

Take Lashon Hara and its punishment Tzaraat (spiritual leprosy) seriously. REMEMBER what happened to Miriam when she mistakenly, and with good intentions, spoke badly about Moshe. (Debarim 24:9)

REMEMBER what Amalek did to you when you left Egypt, attacking you on the road. (Debarim 25:17)

These three remembrances are unlike the two in the poem. They each ask us to remember different occurrences, with an aim to drive home different points.

Zachor! Remember your time in Egypt; you were once half the person you are today. 

Zachor! Remember Miriam, and how easy it is for people to make mistakes. Even the greatest people do.

Zachor! Remember Amalek, and the things that destroy you, that tear you apart. Break them before they break you.

Zikaron, or memory, is crucial to growth. It allows us to know where we have been, what works and what doesn't. It allows us to remember the lessons we have learned and build higher and higher on those foundations.

You cannot mistreat the broken hearted if you identify with them, knowing their plight through your own past experiences. Who could you be treating better?

You cannot think you are above mistakes, when those greater than you made them too. What do I struggle to admit to having done wrong?

And you cannot forget that each Superman has their Kryptonite, their own Amalek, or nisayon, challenge, that they seem to be unable to ever get rid of until Mashiach. It is their life's challenge and destiny with which to grapple and continually improve.

What is your life's challenge?

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Shlomo Farh