Yesterday, we discussed the importance of clothing in the story of Purim, as well as the custom of wearing costumes on this holiday.
However, when discussing the Kabbalah we always keep in mind that there is both the physical aspect, and an opposing or complementary spiritual aspect to all that we do.
The Shabbat before Purim is Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat of Remembrance. We have a special Torah reading for the maftir, as well as a special haftarah. In the maftir we are called to remember what Amalek did to us when we were leaving Egypt, and in the haftarah from 1 Samuel 15 we read about King Shaul (Saul) who is called upon by G-d through the prophet Samuel to destroy the Amalekites. We read in that story, that of course King Saul did not do as he was commanded, but instead spared the choicest of their herds and flocks, as well as sparing the king of the Amalekites. It is no surprise to learn that the enemy of the Jewish people in the story of Purim is a descendant of Amalek named Haman. This is the physical side of the story, but what is the spiritual connotation?
Well, one can do more than just dress in costumes on Purim or other times of the year, because while Amalek is a nation as described in the Tanakh, Amalek can also be a character trait. A character trait that one puts on like any other piece of clothing or costume.
It describes this character trait on its commentary and explains that when we see the work for “encountered you,” that this can also be interpreted as “he cooled you off.” In other words, this character trait of Amalek makes us questions all our decisions as it relates to our divine service.
The fact that our ancestors stated that they would first do before they listened, implied that they would seek to do the will of Hashem without hesitation or doubt. Only after, when they would listen, did this imply understanding the commandments of Hashem intellectually.
The Baal Shem Tov and others taught us through Gematria (numerology) that the numerical equivalent of the Hebrew word Amalek is the same value as the Hebrew word “safek,” which means doubt. Amalek causes doubt and hesitation which cools us off in our devotion to our divine service.
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