On Saturday, prior to Purim, two portions from two Torah scrolls are read in the synagogue, one of which is the story of Amalek. Amalek is the descendant of Esau, and is the enemy of the Jewish people. His tribe, the Amalekites, attacked the people of Israel during the Exodus from Egypt. That is the reason the weekly portion commands: “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 small sign made in Vienna, in 1805, indicates the scroll from which this portion of the Torah is read.