Although Purim and Pesach commemorate two miraculous events in our history, the nature of these miracles is entirely different. Purim celebrates the prototype of a hidden miracle, whereas the events surrounding yetzias Mitzrayim were an open manifestation of Hashem's involvement in this world. Amalek appears at both of these pivotal moments. Following yetzias Mitzrayim it was Amalek that attacked Bnei Yisrael. Centuries later it was Haman, the descendant of Amalek, that set the stage for the miracle of Purim. Why does Amalek play a role in both the concealed and revealed miracles that occurred?
After krias Yam Suf, the entire world was in awe of the manifestation of Hashem's Presence. A detailed description of the reactions of the inhabitants of Eretz Yisrael and the surrounding areas of Edom and Moav are related in Az Yashir. Amalek was well aware of the magnitude of krias Yam Suf, and nevertheless attacked Hashem's people. This reaction can only be understood if Amalek convinced themselves that what appeared miraculous was in fact only coincidental; that it "just happened" that the sea split at the precise moment that it did, that it was "just bad luck" that the sea returned to its original position just as the Egyptians were pursuing the Jews. One who wants to deny the obvious Hand of Hashem in this world will convince oneself of anything no matter how absurd it is.
Chazal highlight this attribute of Amalek by focusing on the phrase "קרך בדרך" - Amalek "happened" to attack. The philosophy of Amalek was that everything just happens, and as such there was no need to fear Hashem and they could be victorious over the Jewish people in battle if they would have good luck. This worldview of Amalek was the essence of Haman's plan to annihilate Klal Yisrael. The method he used to choose a date to execute his plan was bizarre - he simply drew lots, which is the ultimate game of chance. Chazal once again notice the significance of happenstance in Amalek and Haman's mindset. When Mordechai related to Esther the tragedy that was about to befall her people, the Megilla invokes the phrase describing the events "אשר קרה- just happened" as a hint that the descendant of the original "אשר קרך" had appeared. What is our response to a worldview that views everything as just chance and luck?
Immediately prior to Amalek's attack, the Jewish people had questioned if Hashem is really in our midst. After seeing the ten makkos and krias Yam Suf and after eating mann that fell from heaven, how can such a question have even be asked? To ignore the obvious yad Hashem was an invitation for Amalek to attack.
What is the way to correct this failing that brought about Amalek? Hashem would perform a miracle that really could be attributed to chance. There would not be any rivers turning to blood, and no sea splitting would save the Jewish people from Haman. Rather, palace intrigue and "coincidental" events would combine to deliver the Jewish people from Amalek's descendant. What would be our reaction to such events? Would we attribute it to good luck that Esther just happened to be in the right place at the right time? No - Klal Yisrael rose to the challenge. Led by Mordechai and Esther, the Jewish people recognized the Hand of Hashem that had been revealed, which was no less significant than the miraculous Hand of Hashem that orchestrated krias Yam Suf.
The two yomim tovim of Purim and Pesach complement one another in commemorating Hashem's protection and redemption of His people. Whether displayed in an open miraculous manner or disguised by natural events, Hashem's love is apparent to all who search for it.
The parshiyos that deal with the Mishkan highlight Hashem's Presence that is clear for all to see. Miracles such as the light of the menorah that remained lit and the bread of the shulchan that retained its warmth were commonplace as long as Hashem's presence hovered over the mishkan and subsequently the Beis Hamikdash. Tragically, this miraculous existence would come to an end. During galus we live in a world resembling Purim rather than Pesach. And yet, we continue to sense Hashem's Presence, albeit in a hidden way, throughout our long exile. We look forward to the day that Hashem's Presence will once again be clear for all to see. When the Beis Hamikdash will be rebuilt and the philosophy of Amalek will cease to exist, the entire world will acknowledge the yad Hashem in its full glory.
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