Pesach Sheni is the holiday of second chances.

Lamah nigara? Why should we be left behind?

Amalek attacked us on Pesach Sheni. And when you
hear that, it’s like — whoa.

Of all the days Amalek could choose to attack… He chooses
the day that screams, “It’s never too late.”

Amalek stands for doubt.

The Torah hints at it: the word “Amalek” shares the same gematria as safek — doubt.

He’s the voice that whispers,

“You missed your shot.”

“You’re not worthy.”

“You can’t fix it.”

When Amalek attacks, Moshe goes up on a hill. And what does he do?

He raises his hands.

And the Torah says: “When Moshe’s hands were raised, Israel prevailed. And when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed.”

Now the Mishnah in Rosh Hashanah asks the obvious question:

Was it Moshe’s hands that won the war?

And the answer? No.

It was when the people looked up — when they lifted their hearts to Hashem — that’s when they had strength.

Moshe’s hands were a signal. A reminder. Look up.
Don’t fall into despair. This battle isn’t yours alone.

So what is Pesach Sheni really?

Perhaps it’s the most anti-Amalek day in the whole Torah.

Because Amalek says: “You’re done.”

And Pesach Sheni says: “You’ve just begun.”

Amalek says: “You missed it.”

Pesach Sheni says: “Come back in.”

Amalek tells you: “You’ll never get out of this.”

And Pesach Sheni says: “There’s always a second chance.”

And that’s how we fight Amalek. With emunah. With second chances. With lifted hands — and lifted hearts.