At 0815 yesterday morning, I was at the synagogue waiting for the start of Shabbat prayers when the first sirens went off in Jerusalem, not heard since the last Iran war in June 2025.

Desirous of following the emergency preparedness instructions of Israel’s Home Front Command (HFC) against “gatherings indoors or outdoors,” the Rabbi approached the holy ark, removed a Torah which had been pre-rolled to the proper place for yesterday’s additional reading and chanted the following passage from Deuteronomy 25:17-19.

“Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!”

The Torah was in its proper place because yesterday was Shabbat Zachor, the sabbath to remember, when every Jew has an obligation to hear these words.  While it is normally read as an addition to the weekly Torah portion situated midway in the Shabbat morning service, the synagogue made it possible for those in attendance to fulfill their religious obligation and hear this portion........

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