The Shabbat immediately preceding Purim is known as "Shabbat Zachor," and a number of practices are observed on this special Shabbat. First and foremost, we conduct a special reading from the Torah in the synagogue, the section that discusses the obligation to remember the aggression displayed by the nation of Amalek against Bene Yisrael. Both men and women must attend the synagogue to hear this reading.
There is, however, another custom relevant to Shabbat Zachor which has, unfortunately, become forgotten and neglected in many Jewish communities. Rabbi Yehuda Halevi composed a magnificent Piyut (liturgical poem) especially for Shabbat Zachor, a poem entitled "Mi Chamocha Ve'en Kamocha" – "Who is like You – there is none like You!" This Piyut poetically reviews the story of Megilat Ester, and each stanza concludes with a phrase from Tanach ending with the word "Lo" ("his" or "for him"). For example, the first stanza (listen to audio recording for precise citation) tells of the power and prominence achieved by King Ahashverosh, and concludes with the phrase from the Book of Shemuel II (7:1), "Ve'Hashem Heni'ah Lo" ("God granted him peace [from his enemies]"). Later, the poem describes the wealth and treasures that Ahashverosh put on display during the feast he hosted for his servants, as told in the beginning of the Megila, and it concludes with a clause from the Book of Iyov (28:6), "Ve'afrot Zahav Lo" ("He had golden earth").
Soon after its composition, this beautiful hymn became part of the morning prayer service on Shabbat Zachor. Some sung the Piyut during the section of "Ezrat Avotenu," right before the words "Shira Hadasha." Others sang it during the recitation of "Az Yashir," right before the verse "Mi Kamocha Ba'elim Hashem." Another custom was to insert this hymn in the "Nishmat" prayer, at the phrase, "Hashem Mi Chamocha." Yet another practice was to sing "Mi Chamocha" right before the Torah reading, after the "Kaddish" marking the conclusion of the Shaharit service.
Our community follows the practice recorded by Rav Yaakov Haim Sofer (1870-1939), in his Kaf Ha'haim (68:10; listen to audio for precise citation), to sing this Piyut immediately following the Maftir reading. In order not to excessively prolong the service, the custom developed to recite only the first and last three stanzas of this hymn. Nevertheless, people should make a point of singing the entire song, with the traditional melody, with their families either before or after lunch on Shabbat Zachor.
Unfortunately, many people do not afford proper respect to customs such as the singing of "Mi Chamocha." It is important to treat our sacred traditions with the reverence they deserve, and to observe the customs practiced by countless generations of Jews over the course of many centuries. "Mi Chamocha" is just one example of a custom that many have come to neglect, but should be reinforced and treated with utmost seriousness and reverence.
Summary: There is a time-honored tradition to sing the hymn "Mi Chamocha" in a special melody on Shabbat Zachor (the Shabbat before Purim), and everyone should ensure to follow this custom.
