My Weekly Drash (a mini D'var Torah) - Ki Tetzei
Posted by Daniel M. Kimmel on September 11, 2008 | Tags: Ki Tetze
Parshah Ki Tetzei concludes with the famous exhortation to blot out the memory of Amalek, a people who historically have done nothing but violence to the Israelites. That's why it's surprising to read compassion for our enemies earlier in the portion: "You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your kinsman. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, for you were a stranger in his land." (Deut. 23:8) It seems that if there is anything in our history with a foe that is positive - the Edomites are descendants of Esau, Egypt initially welcomed Jacob's family during the famine - we are not permitted to ignore that because of later conflicts. Family and friends, no matter how estranged, are permitted to the possibility of redemption and reconciliation. We weren't always enemies so perhaps there's still hope. In contrast Amalek and Moab, who have been unremitting foes, do not get any slack. We might apply that to our own friends and family members with whom we may be on the outs. If once there was a bond, it just might be worth preserving. However those who have always been avowed enemies should be taken at their word.
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Daniel M. KimmelJoined: October 2, 2007 Daniel M. Kimmel is a Boston area film critic, lecturer and author. He does these weekly mini-lessons for the Mishkan Tefila Brotherhood's newsletter. You are free to use them for similar purposes. Divrei Torah (117) |
