Mitzvos Relating to our Fellow Man

39: Remembering Terrorism

"Remember what Amalek did to you on the way, when you left the land of Egypt" (Devarim 25:17)

We are obligated to review verbally the terrible acts of Amalek, who attacked B'nai Yisroel when they left Mitzrayim, and others like them in order to hate them and battle against their wickedness. By destroying the wicked, we help protect innocent people.

We have to teach our children and others to avoid wickedness (Ramban on Devarim 25:17).

One of the first teachings in Pirkei Avos is "Keep far away from bad neighbors and do not befriend the wicked" (Avos 1:7). Similarly, the first chapter of Tehillim begins: "Fortunate is a person who does not follow the council of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit with scoffers..." It is essential for us to stay away from evil.

Text Copyright © 2007 by Rabbi Moshe Goldberger and Torah.org.