This week's portion focuses on the priestly vestments, adornments, and sacrifices, which Aaron and his sons must wear and perform, respectively. It is also the last Sabbath before the holiday of Purim, known as Shabbat Zachor.
That is because we are exhorted to remember how the evil nation of Amalek attacked the Israelites as they left Egypt. (We also read an additional reading from I Samuel about King Saul's war against the Amalekites and their king.)
The connection to Purim is that the bad guy, Haman, was a descendant of Amalek. We are supposed to remember Amalek as a general symbol of injustice, and as a specific antisemitic threat that arises in each generation.
These passages were recently used -- or, really, misread and abused -- against Israel by the South Africans in their case at the International Court of Justice. It was, ironically, proof that Amalek still exists and takes new forms today.
The commandment is not to wipe out Amalek but to remember what Amalek did. That is why Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the story to motivate Israeli soldiers: to remind them of the justice of their mission.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
Special guests:
- Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on the shutdown
- John Carney - Breitbart News financial editor, on the upcoming jobs report
- Jerome Hudson - Breitbart News entertainment editor, on the Kimmel fallout
- Frances Martel - Breitbart News foreign editor, on the UN and Gaza talks
- Matisyahu - award-winning reggae artist, on his new album, "Ancient Child"
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
