THE YIN AND YANG OF PURIM Judith Rose
The two Shabbatot before Purim have special readings and carry special names . The first of these is called Shabbat Shekalim . In order to greet the holiday of Purim , we begin by preparing ourselves through reflecting on the Mitzvah of Shekalim -- paying one ’ s dues , giving from oneself towards the greater good , contributing one ’ s share . This Mitzvah required each person , no matter his or her economic standing , to give only a half shekel , not more and not less . The subtle undertones of the Mitzvah seem to whisper that we nurture greater wholeness in ourselves , as well as in community , by pairing with others , by joining our halves . The symbolic energy of Shabbat Shekalim lives in the realms of Tzedakah and Hesed - Generosity and Compassion .
The Shabbat immediately preceding Purim is called Shabbat Zakhor . This is the Shabbat of Remembering . It is the time when we recall the Biblical nation of Amalek who attacked the Israelites when they were at their most vulnerable point , and further attacked the weakest among them . The Torah teaches that this energy needs to be blotted out forever . Our wisdom teachers widen the lens by adding that this strain of behavior needs to be “ erased ” whether it is found outside ourselves or within ourselves . 35
These two Shabbatot , the Shabbat of Generosity , Sharing , and Compassion , followed by the Shabbat of Realization and Remembrace of Evil , are curiously brought together in a strange Coniuncto as preparatory touchstones for the observance of Purim .
Let us go deeper .
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N . B . See the teachings of Rav Tzaddok Ha ’ Kohen on the Mitzvah of Mehiyat Amalek .
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