Parshas Ki Seitzei

In this week's parsha, the Torah presents us with the legendary mitzvah of Mechi'as Amalek. The Torah says "Timcheh es zecher Amalek mitachas hashamayim", eradicate the memory of Amalek from under the Heavens. At first glance, though, this mitzvah would seem somewhat obsolete in today's day and age. Since we have no way of knowing who is part of Amalek today, how can we fulfil this mitzvah?

However, if we take a moment to study the essence of this mitzvah, we will see that it still applies today. The main weapon of Amalek was "asher karcha baderech" - that they "cooled us down on the way". Klal Yisroel was "on the way" to achieving greatness. They were burning with a fervor and desire to do the will of Hashem, and Amalek came and washed that all away. Therefore, the Torah said that in retribution for cooling down Klal Yisroel, Amalek must be eradicated.

And that is how we can fulfill that mitzvah today. Each and every one of us has lofty goals and aspirations. However, inside of us a small voice that tries to discourage us, that tells us we can't do it. No matter what mitzvah we attempt to do, this voice is always there, always trying to cool us down. That is the voice of Amalek. That is the power of Amalek, unfortunately alive and well within us.

Therefore, our mitzvah - even in today's day and age - is "Timcheh es zecher Amalek". Not the nation Amalek, since we cannot know who they are; rather, the Amalek within ourselves. We must seek out and destroy the yetzer hara within us which tries to discourage us from pursuing our goals and dreams.