* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
Today’s daily portion is dedicated in memory of those murdered in the deadly terror attack in Jerusalem.
Sometimes after doing something good, we experience a let-down and are overwhelmed by feelings of doubt and guilt. We think to ourselves: Was it enough? Could I have done more? Did it really make a difference?
The following words written by Jaqueline Chatav, a teacher from Ashkelon, can help change our perspective:
Parashat Ki Teitzei, which we read this past Shabbat, contains the greatest number of mitzvot of any parasha the Torah - 74 mitzvot relating to every area of life. The parasha concludes with the command: ”Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey after you left Egypt.”
Our commentators associate “Amalek” with our evil inclination - our tendency to doubt ourselves and to lose faith. Notice how “Amalek” attacks us immediately after we have done so many mitzvot and good deeds in the world. It is at that very instance that despair and guilt threaten to engulf us, that nagging feeling of doubt that perhaps all that we have done wasn’t worth it after all. These are voices that weaken us by telling us to stop striving to make a difference in our world.
Feelings of doubt can arise in every dimension of our lives: as parents raising our children, workers devoted to our jobs, in our most intimate relationships, and even during the month of Elul in which we endeavor to improve our ways.
Therefore, after mentioning so many mitzvot, our parasha reminds us: If you have done something good—even if you could have done more - remember to wipe out Amalek! Do not allow feelings of doubts and despair to diminish you. Whatever you have done is precious and valuable.
