On the Shabbat before Purim, Jews throughout the world will turn their attention to a special reading in the Book of Deuteronomy describing how the ancient nation of Amalek attacked our ancestors in the desert. The army of Amalek traditionally has been considered the prime example of vile, inhuman behavior. Not only was the attack on our ancestors unprovoked, but it came at a time when the people of Israel were faint and weary. Amalek attacked them all -- even the most feeble.

Shabbat Zachor -- the Sabbath of Remembrance -- is so named because we are commanded to remember the heinous deeds committed by Amalek. Although this may have been the first significant atrocity suffered by our people after they coalesced into a nation following the exodus from Egypt, it certainly was not the last. Many more are recorded in the Tanach; and, just a half century ago, the world bore witness to an almost indescribably brutal attack on the Jewish people.

We are enjoined to remember. Why? There are many reasons, but perhaps most important is that by recalling these incidents, we enhance our sensitivity to human suffering and confront the need to do something about it. We are pained to think of the needless destruction of human life experienced by our ancestors. Should we be any less distressed by the wanton destruction of human life today?

One cannot open a newspaper without seeing images of destruction, whether in Kosovo or in Africa. While our natural reaction might be one of discomfort, or even revulsion, that is not enough. The directive "to remember" requires that we do more. We must remember that most of the atrocities committed against our ancestors could have been stopped had neutral parties insisted on putting a halt to them.

It is easy to permit ourselves the luxury of observing the ongoing pattern of senseless murder with an air of intellectualized disdain for the aggressors. What we need, however, is passion. Indeed, we are urged to remember precisely so that our passions may be aroused.

It is not easy to halt violence. Strong pressure -- whether by the United States government or by NATO forces -- must be exerted; and sufficient resources, both human and financial, must be allotted. At times, we will be forced to espouse unpopular positions. We can do no less: As Jews, we are commanded to be an "or la'goyim," light unto the nations.

In a few days, we will celebrate the holiday of Purim. It is a time of joy, during which we remember that millennia ago, the Jewish people were saved from an extermination plot hatched by a vicious enemy. Today, let us share our memories with the world and teach by our actions that evil can, indeed, be eradicated through involvement and commitment.

Rabbi Epstein is the Executive Vice-President of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the association of Conservative congregations in North America.