blogs/rabbi-huberman

I read a disturbing report this week about the treatment in the United States of those who are physically or cognitively challenged.

In a recent online article, author James DeLano noted that children living in psychiatric residential treatment facilities, “are extremely vulnerable to mistreatment.” Many have died or have been victimized.

He writes: “Facilities are often understaffed, leading to minimal supervision and increased opportunities for abuse—by staff and other children.”

DeLano concludes, “While we, as Americans, often like to think our country as advanced for people with disabilities, the reality is disappointing.”

So, what does this article have to do with this week’s Torah portion? In many ways, it is linked to events which occurred thousands of years ago following the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.

This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Zachor—the “Shabbat of Remembrance.”

What are we remembering?

We are reminded to never forget what Amalek did to us on our way to the Promised Land. And who was Amalek?

Amalek was a vicious tribe that attacked the Israelites on their trek out of Egypt.

This week’s Torah portion tells us that after the Israelites crossed the Sea of Reeds, they paused for water and regrouped in a place named Rephidim. 

As they resumed their journey, basking in the joy of liberation, Amalek, launched a surprise attack from behind.

And their primary victims were the elderly and the disabled—the slow-moving and otherwise vulnerable Israelites.

Moses and Joshua launched a counterattack, and most of attackers were eventually killed. But the pain and trauma remain seared in the pages of the Torah.

For three thousand years, we have been reminded—particularly this week—never to let our guard down because there will always be an “Amalek” in our midst.

Are the events of October 7, 2023 that far removed from the Amalek attack?

Could Jews living in Germany during the 1930s have imagined that they would soon be persecuted?

And so, on this Shabbat, which precedes the happy days of Purim, our tradition recalls that Haman—the mastermind of the Purim plot—was a descendant of Amalek.

We are also reminded that since that time, the spiritual descendants of Amalek have reared their heads in every generation.

Yet, there is deeper point that I consider every year on Shabbat Zachor.

As a father of a cognitively challenged son, I often ask myself, “What were the elderly, disabled and vulnerable doing back there alone in the first place?”

In past travels through Asian and First Nations communities, I consistently observed brief ceremonies honoring the “elders” before the start of any event.  Can we say the same?

As Jewish people, we seem to be obsessed with passing our traditions—L’Dor Vador—to the next generation.

But do we pay enough attention to protecting and embracing the most vulnerable within our communities? 

Do synagogues create enough programs for seniors or encourage bar or bat mitzvahs for those whose language skills or endurance may not match many of their age?

Fifteen years ago, Patte and I encountered difficulty finding three rabbis to convert John. Many contended that John could not fully comprehend the significance of becoming part of the Jewish people.

But one rabbi—Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein of B’nai Jeshurun—concluded upon meeting our son, concluded: “There is a Jewish soul in John.”

And on a Shabbat in May 2010, coinciding with my installation as CTI’s newly ordained rabbi, John celebrated his bar mitzvah.

John tied the tzizzit (fringes) on his homemade tallit. He recited the Shema prayer and repeated the Torah blessings. And in the middle of my sermon, he let out a fierce yell, reminding everyone—Hineni—I am here.

Organized religion and many parts of the Bible have been less than exemplary in their inclusion of those with special needs.

That is why all synagogues and Jewish institutions must open their doors wider—for each soul is precious in God’s sight.

This week’s parashah, marking the “Shabbat of Remembrance,” inspires us to consider Amalek in many ways. 

The Psalms remind us, “Let all who breathe praise God.”  Let us respect God’s word and remain equally accessible and embracing to all.

Amalek’s atrocities—whether they occurred 3,300 years ago, during the Holocaust, or on October 7—remind us to remain vigilant and to ensure the continued inclusion, protection and respect for those who Amalek attacked many years ago.

For our chain is strongest when we support our most vulnerable links.

It is especially important during the current climate of frantic budget cuts. Let us use our voices—individually and as a community—to ensure that we leave no Jew, no American, no human being behind.

On this “Shabbat of Remembrance,” let us never forget to stand on guard for each other, and keep those, who Amalek attacked, at the center of our community.

Let us, therefore, rejoice next week in our celebration of Purim.

With security at the door, we will be reminded that while we as a Jewish people welcome and celebrate times of joy, our tradition sends us a clear message, echoed by this week’s Shabbat Zachor.

We must never forget.

Shabbat shalom, v’kol tuv.

Rabbi Irwin Huberman