Amalek Attacks - Vayavo Amalek!

וַיָּבֹ֖א עֲמָלֵ֑ק וַיִּלָּ֥חֶם עִם־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בִּרְפִידִֽם:

Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

In Parshat B'Shalach, we read about the attack by Amalek on Bnei Yisrael as they were leaving Egypt and making their way to Eretz Yisrael. This event is significant in Jewish history, as it represents the first instance of open aggression against Bnei Yisrael by a foreign nation.

Midrash teaches that Amalek's attack was a manifestation of the eternal struggle between good and evil. According to this teaching, Amalek represents the forces of evil and chaos that seek to undermine the divine plan for the world and the well-being of God's people. The attack by Amalek serves as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance and the importance of standing up against evil in all its forms.

Rashi notes that the attack by Amalek represented a turning point in the history of Bnei Yisrael. Rashi writes that the attack served as a wake-up call, reminding Bnei Yisrael of the need to be vigilant and to stand up against evil. He notes that the event was a clear demonstration of the danger posed by the forces of evil and the importance of being prepared to defend oneself and one's community.

Ramban adds that the attack by Amalek was a direct challenge to the authority of God and the divine plan for the world. According to Ramban, Amalek's aggression was a direct attempt to undermine the divine plan and to resist God's will. He writes that the attack was a clear demonstration of the need for Bnei Yisrael to be vigilant and to stand up against evil in all its forms.

The story of the attack by Amalek is a powerful testament to the ongoing need for vigilance and action, and it remains an important part of the Jewish tradition. And of course, it is a mitzvah to never forget what Amalek did to us right after we left Egypt - but more about that as we get closer to Purim.