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Why are we commanded to hate Amalek, seemingly contradicting the principle that even capital punishment must be done with love? Amalek's fury stems from a fundamental worldview: they believe God created man for His own sake, to control us—not for our benefit. This philosophy attacks Hashem (ה׳)'s very essence as benevolent Creator, requiring us to awaken hatred not for personal revenge but to defend God's name and affirm that creation is an act of pure kindness.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a fundamental question: How can the Torah (תורה) command us to kill Amalek with hatred when Jewish law requires even executing criminals with compassion and love? The Rambam (רמב"ם) explicitly states we must awaken hatred toward Amalek, yet Yaakov castigated Shimon and Levi for killing the people of Shechem with anger. Furthermore, what distinguishes Amalek from other enemies like Esav, who also hates the Jewish people? The shiur traces Amalek's essence back to the very beginning of creation. When God asked Adam if he ate from the forbidden tree, Adam responded, "The woman that You gave me, she gave me from the tree and I will eat." The text doesn't say "I ate" but "I will eat"—future tense. Adam wasn't merely blaming his wife; he was blaming God for giving him the wife. He perceived that God created woman to control him, to prevent him from becoming too powerful and independent.
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Parshas Tetzaveh (reading of Parshas Zachor)
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