Shabbat Zachor and the Danger of Hypothermia

A long week has come to an end. We got so much done: we worked, studied, walked, ran, reached agreements, clashed, ran late, and shopped, shopped, shopped.

And very soon we will be able to exhale and remember. Remember how important it is to exhale—and remember Amalek, too.

That is what this Shabbat is called: "Remember!"

Remember how you left Egypt with firm confidence that you would no longer be a slave, and Amalek met you on the way.

Our sages offer an alternative translation of the words "karcha baderech" (met you on the way), teaching us that these words can also be translated as "cooled you on the way." Amalek cooled the hearts of the Jews, froze their enthusiasm and good intentions—and naturally, nothing good came of it.

Shabbat Zachor always falls at the transition between winter and spring.

This is the saddest time of year, when we are so tired of the cold/rain/slush, when we are so short of vitamins, as well as joy, happiness, love and money. When we feel like robots or the main character in the film "Groundhog Day," and want to crawl under a blanket and stay there until real spring arrives.

And then Shabbat Zachor reminds us of the danger of hypothermia. It is not even that in this state it is much easier to catch that very frightening virus whose name must not be spoken. The point is that when you are frozen inside, it is as though you are merely existing rather than living.

To change this, we simply need to remember the warmth that one person can give another.

After all, warming up alone is inefficient, while warming up together is much more fun and practical. And it is not at all difficult: simply hug your loved ones and acquaintances (but not strangers, in light of the latest Ministry of Health recommendations), say a kind word to someone (or even two), and have some tea, coffee, vodka, whiskey, brandy... with someone (or by yourself)—or arak, if all else fails. Smile at yourself and the world, and remember that life is beautiful!