By Rabbi Baruch Lederman
SAN DIEGO — Through the pitch-black night, the captain sees a light dead ahead on a collision course with his ship. He sends a signal: “Change your course 10 degree east.” The light signals back: “Change yours, 10 degrees west.” Angry, the captain sends: “I’m a navy captain! Change your course, sir!” “I’m a seaman, second class,” comes the reply. “Change your course, sir.” Now the captain is furious. “I’m a battleship!” There is one last reply. “I’m a lighthouse.”
Amalek was the one nation who dared attack the Children of Israel. A prime characteristic of Amalek is arrogance. Arrogance makes us follow our whims feeling untouchable. Such can put us on a collision course with G-d Himself. We must eliminate the Amalek-like feelings of arrogance from within us, and seek the light of Hashem, Torah, and Israel.
Dedicated by the Gombos Family in memory of William & Ida Laufer, Bela Gombos, and Anita Silverman.
*
Rabbi Lederman is spiritual leader of Congregation Kehillas Torah in San Diego. He may be contacted at baruch.lederman@sdjewishworld.com