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What does Amalek's attack represent, and why will Purim (פורים) endure forever? Amalek lives in a perception of reality—claiming the right to choose rather than accepting only the ability to choose—and thus asserts independent existence against God. Purim is the ultimate rectification: recognizing objective reality (yad Hashem (ה׳)) over subjective perception, completing what na'aseh v'nishma began at Har Sinai.
Rabbi Zweig explores the enigmatic teaching that all holidays will cease except Purim (פורים). Despite Purim's seemingly minor status—appearing only in the Writings, not the Torah (תורה) itself—Chazal declare it will endure forever. The shiur seeks to understand this through a deep analysis of Parashas Zachor and the nature of Amalek. The Torah commands us to remember what Amalek did: "asher karcho baderech." Rashi (רש"י) offers multiple interpretations. One is that they engaged in mishkav zachar (sodomy). Another is that "karcho" comes from "kar v'chom" (hot and cold)—Amalek cooled off the Jewish people's aura of invincibility after leaving Egypt. The entire world feared the Jews, yet Amalek attacked despite knowing they would be destroyed. What would motivate such self-destructive behavior?
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Parashas Zachor, Devarim 25:17-19
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