We are faced with a six course "banquet" of Biblical texts over the course of this weekend:

• Our weekly Torah portion, T'tzaveh("Command!")
• The special maftir Zachor ("Remember!")
• The special haftarah from the first book of Samuel, "Samuel said to Saul..."
• The weekly Shabbat Mincha reading from next week's Torah portion of Ki Tissa
• The reading of the Megilat Esther in celebration of Purim, Saturday evening and Sunday Morning
• The special Torah Reading for Purim, Sunday morning, VaYavo Amalek ("Amalek came..."), from the book of Exodus where Moses appoints Joshua to lead the Israelites against the tribe of Amalek.

Superficially, we are looking at two basic themes: the first has to do with a continuation of the construction of the Tabernacle which we started last Shabbat with T'rumah. This Shabbat morning, our main reading will teach us about (a) The gift of pure Olive oil which the Israelites were to donate for the kindling of the Menorah in the Tabernacle; (b) A description of the seven articles of clothing that the High Priest had to wear in performing his priestly duties, and (c) The Ceremony to induct Aaron and his sons into the Priesthood. On Shabbat afternoon, we continue to read about the half-shekel donation of silver that Israelite males had to bring when they performed a census and that went to fabricate the "base-sockets" (adanim) for the boards of the Tabernacle.

Our second major theme centers on our celebration of Purim.
 
- The Maftir on Shabbat morning from Deuteronomy talks about how the Amalekites attacked from the rear. We are commanded to "Remember what Amalek did..." and to "Blot out his name!"
 
- Our Haftarah spells out the tragic story of how our first king, Saul, failed to carry out this commandment. He was stripped of his kingship as a result. (What is this telling us about our fight against anti-Semitism? - especially as it appears to be gaining in visibility, acceptability and frequency?)
 
- The classic story of Esther's bravery and Mordecai's stubborn refusal to bow to Haman in the Megilah serves as much food for contemplation as well as celebration. (The midrash points out the connection of "Esther" to the Hebrew word "l'hastir" - to "hide". Esther hides her identity from Ahasuerus; the fact that Mordecai saved the king's life is hidden; Haman doesn't disclose the fact that he has prepared gallows to hang Mordecai; the king doesn't tell Haman who he wishes to honor; Esther doesn't disclose her reason for inviting the King and Haman to her banquet until they are seated at the second one; there is no direct mention of God's name anywhere in the book. How might we "hide" God from our own lives? What message is the megilah trying to convey?)
 
- Our Torah reading on Purim day Sunday morning speaks of the very first encounter between the Israelites and the Amalekites and the circumstance that made it possible for Israel to prevail. (On Shabbat morning the maftir specifically mentioned how the Amalekites attacked the stragglers.) The Exodus narrative follows one in which the Israelites clamor for water and Moses is commanded to "strike the rock". Both incidents - the "water" incident and the battle with Amalek take place in Rephidim. We have the grand metaphor of the Israelites following God into the Wilderness of Sinai to get to the Promised Land. Water is symbolic of Torah.
  
So we have the themes of lack of Water and the lack of Faith in God which precede the attack by Amalek. Add this to the "hiddenness" of God in the Megilah and we have a suggestion as to the root cause of anti-Semitism. Successfully "blotting out the remembrance of Amalek" isn't a physical act. It's the active campaign within us to pursue a life of Torah which inevitably results in "discovering God" in our own experience!

Much thanks to all who worked so tirelessly on our Purim Ball:

• Lisa and Eric Sheldonour dedicated chairs who have made our congregation's celebration of Purim their personal project for several years in a row.
   

To the following who served on the committee, contributed their ideas and in some cases took on special projects:

• Gail Brody and Debbie Zimmerman for taking their talents and transforming our Rubenstein Auditorium into a mid Eastern Palace.
• Michael Raileanu for serving as our MC with his amazing flair.
• Marcia Sterneck for working at the guest table.
• Andria Simckes for finding the band.
• Bill Solomon who along with the Sheldons, the  Zimmerman's, Marcia Sterneck and the Roots helped underwrite our program.
• Roberta Cohen who was a gold-mine of advice and great suggestions.
• Rick Kodner who as president lends his capable hands above and beyond his presidential role.
• Paula and Aaron Hamvas along with Ann-Leslie, Scott, Liana, Gillian and Asher plus our maintenance crew headed by Matt Pellerito for the wonderful food.
• Our office staff, our Executive director Harvey Leader whose efforts and exploits often go unsung; Jeanne Gaska who manages to keep so many details under control and makes it look easy; Raisa Gunin who manages and accounts for our intake and outflow; and our office volunteer, Helen Munoz who performs a hundred and one different and necessary tasks.

 
Remember, too, our USY Purim Carnival, Monday afternoon March first, at 5:30 p.m. in the Rubenstein Auditorium. Be sure to bring your children or grandchildren along for a rollicking good time!  (Prices listed on our website.)
  
May this Shabbat fill your life with the sense of God's Presence and your celebration of Purim fill your life with the joy of His deliverance!
 
Shabbat Shalom!
   
Rabbi Mordecai Miller