This Shabbat is called Shabbat Zachor, the Sabbath of Remembrance. What are we remembering?
This Shabbat is called Shabbat Zachor, the Sabbath of Remembrance. What are we remembering? Coming just a few days before Purim, we recall the story from Deuteronomy describing the ruthless attacks by Amalek on the women, children, and elderly in the Sinai wilderness.
Unfortunately, we don’t need to remember Amalek back then. We have our own Amalek today. Amalek, an ancestor of Haman the Agagite, has been succeeded by Putin. Ironically, today, we see Jewish leaders, Zelenskyy and others, like Mordecai and Esther of old, battling the Hamans of today. But it’s much worse. There is no one in the modern day Haman circle who can bring him down and undo the suffering that he has caused and continues to cause.
Several times throughout our history our sages and leaders have called for a Taanit Tzibbur, a Communal Fast, in times of impending calamity, drought and famine. In the Megilat Esther we hear of Esther calling for a three days of communal fasting and praying before she confronts King Ahashverus and the evil Haman.
I invite you, along with others in the Jewish and non Jewish communities, to join with us, members of Am Kolel, the Shalom Center, members of Aleph and other communities in a Taanit Tzibbur, a Fast of protest and a Fast to support all those working to end this war and save Ukrainian lives and others in harms way.
We are presently working out a gathering at the Russian Embassy in D.C. at noon on Taanit Esther, next Wednesday, March 16th, Purim being at Sundown. More information will be sent to this list later in the week. Our Taanit Tzibur gathering will last about 45 minutes where we will offer words, special liturgy, and songs of concern.
The Fast is less strict than major fast days. It is a custom for some to fast from sunrise to sunset. We invite you to fast for as long as you are able while being mindful of your health needs. Send your prayers and donations where needed.
Coinciding with the beginning of the Book of Leviticus, VaYikrah, read this Shabbat, describing the sacrificial offerings the people brought to the Kohanim, we now bring ourselves as offerings. Our fasting and our presence will, hopefully, add to the seas of protest and healing so needed.
Look for updates.
May we see light and joy in the days ahead,
Orah v’Simcha….Keyn Tihyeh Lanu,
Reb David