…Eradicate the memory of Amalek from under the heavens—Do not forget. Devarim 25:19


We are commanded to remember that which Amelek did– Do not forget. The Siforno explains the mitzvah is for us to avenge the honor of Hashem. Amelek attacked Hashem’s chosen nation. That was an affront to His honor. We should do all that we can to redress that disgrace.

This Siforno is difficult to understand, as this event happened thousands of years ago. Whatever the crime may have been, it was so far back in time. The people are gone. The generation is gone. Even the historical record is gone. Why would the Torah want us to recall, so many years later, an event that has long since passed from memory.

Forgetting is a human phenomenon 
Bereavement is one of the most difficult experiences in life. The pain of losing a loved one can be unbearable. Whether a sibling, a child or especially a spouse, there may be times when the agony is all encompassing, almost consuming. Often the question is, “How do I continue? How do I return to life?”  While there are no easy answers, the greatest healer is time.

With the passing of time the wound is no longer as fresh, the loss not as acute, and the pain fades, eventually losing its edge. While the loss can never be replaced, life goes on.  While the loved one isn’t forgotten, the pain is. To help man, Hashem created this feature of “forgetting”, and placed it into the conscious mind.

However, forgetting has other purposes and it’s not just pain that we forget.

Where were you when the planes hit?
For most of us, a little more than ten years ago marks the single largest experience in our lives. On September 11, 2001, America was attacked. In a heartbeat, we went from being untouchable to being in a battle for our existence. The consequences could not be larger. The world had become a different place. Good and evil were visible and pronounced—it was now us versus them. American flags popped up like dandelions on every lawn. Patriotism was at an almost an all time high. And we vowed never to forget.

Now 10 years later—it’s as if the event never occurred. Oh, we have our memorials, our commemorations and gatherings, but the event is wiped from the conscience mind, and we are back to the party. It was a jolt that altered history, and now in but a blink of time—it’s gone. We have forgotten.

Forgetting the largest moment in our lives

Forgetting is a phenomenon, which happens only as long as we occupy a body. When we leave this earth everything comes back in brilliant relief. Every action. Every conversation. Every thought. We relive it all – our entire life—in vivid clarity. As a teenager, going through the tough tests of adolescence. As a young adult—going through the trials and tribulations of creating a family. As a middle aged person. As a senior. Every moment—brought back—re-experienced, forever.

In the spiritual world there is no forgetting.

This seems to be the answer to the Siforno. Yes, Amelek did what they did long ago—but the imprint remains. Time doesn’t erase the action, and the affront burns still. The Torah is teaching us that Historical memory remains intact. Long after man has forgotten the players, the act lives on. And in the end, absolute justice prevails. All debts are paid, all records are cleared.

Approaching Rosh HaShana
This concept is especially applicable as we approach Rosh HaShana. The Chovos Ha'Levovos explains that one of the reasons that it is difficult to do Teshuvah, to repent, is the delay between action and consequence. In this world the results are instant. If you commit a crime, you are taken to task, the act judged and you are punished accordingly.

The heavenly tribunal doesn’t work that way. It isn’t until we leave this earth that our actions are measured. And this brings us a false sense of security. If I sinned, it can’t be that bad—after all it happened so long ago. Hashem can’t be angry with me, it’s long forgotten.

One of the most basic concepts we need to focus on is that in the World of Truth, nothing is forgotten – not the good, nor the bad. Everything is brought in front of the judge, and everything is recalled. The only way out is a remarkable kindness that Hashem has bestowed upon us, the system of Teshuvah

This concept is especially applicable to us in these times.

The following is the video of this week's Torah portion lecture. Arutz Sheva decided to post the Rabbi's article about 9/11 instead of the written Torah portion lecture, but you may see and hear him below: