By Rabbi
Yisroel Shusterman
This
week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of
his late mother Mrs. Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM
It is that time of
year again. We will be beginning the Book of Numbers, as this week's Torah
reading begins the book of Bamidbar ([Numbers] 1:1-4:20), and during this
week’s Torah reading we will hear verse after verse of numbers: 46,500 for the
tribe of Reuven, 59,300 for the tribe of Shimon, and so on.
Interestingly, this
Torah portion of Bamidbar is always read shortly before the holiday of Shavuos,
the holiday of our receiving the Torah. This year, it is being read the eve of
the holiday of Shavuos.
What is the
connection between numbers and counting and the special gift our nation
received on this holiday?
Counting is an
equalizer. Each unit which is counted adds up to one, no more and no less.
As a nation we are
far from a homogenous group. This is true in all areas - and our service of G‑d is no exception.
Depending on our unique talents, some of us serve G‑d through assiduous
Torah study, others through volunteering time in public service, others through
financially supporting worthy causes, and yet others through reciting Psalms
with devotion and sincerity. Leaders and followers. Old and young. Men and
women. Scholars and laymen. Every segment of our nation, and indeed every
individual person, serves G‑d in his or her unique way.
The counting of the
Jews teaches us that the service of any one person isn't more or less important
than the service of another. One's service may be more attractive, flashy and
attention-grabbing than another's - but at the core we are all involved in the
exact same pursuit - serving our Creator with all our available talents and
resources.
Speaking of
counting, from the moment the Jews left Egypt, they began counting - counting
the days, 49 days - which led up to the
day of Shavuos when they would be receiving the Torah, the ultimate equalizer,
on Mt. Sinai.
The essence and
purpose of all of creation is G‑d's desire for a physical abode, an
earthly realm which would be transformed into a hospitable habitat and where
His essence could be expressed. It is the Torah that a) reveals to us this
divine plan; b) contains the mitzvot, the tools with which we bring this
purpose to realization; and thus c) brings harmony and equality to all of
creation - for it shows us how every one of the myriads of components in
creation is essentially identical, for they all have one purpose - to make a
dwelling place for G-d Al-Mighty. .
As Shavuos
approaches, let us take this message to heart. Every person counts. Every day
counts. Every component of creation counts. And we should be counting our
blessings that we were given the Torah - without which nothing would count.
(Excerpts
from Chabad.org - from Rabbi Naftali Silberberg)
May you have a meaningful and uplifting
Shabbos and inspiring holiday of Shavuot!
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