11 Adar: Irrational Behavior

IRRATIONAL BEHAVIOR Amalek’s attack is comparable to an evildoer who has jumped into a boiling tub of water that was so hot, no other creature was able to enter. Although he was burned, he cooled it for the others. (Medrash Tanchuma, Ki Teitzei 9) Amalek is ego and self-centeredness. This may be expressed in very subtle ways, but its core is a feeling of purposelessness. When a person is self-centered, he feels no obligation to G-d or to his fellow man. The attitude of Amalek is, “I can do whatever I want. I don’t care if I destroy myself or harm others.” In short, it is a path of irrational destruction. Moshiach is the antithesis of Amalek. Moshiach engenders a deep feeling of mission and purpose that guides every detail of our lives. Every action is carefully weighed against one consideration: Is this act going to fulfill my purpose? Moshiach demands that we have self-sacrifice to help others. Sichos Shabbos Parshas Vayikra, Parshas Zachor, 11th Day of Adar II, 5749 Maamarei Admur Haemtai Kuntreisim, Yafa Shaah Achas, pg. 241ff