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
Dedicated in
memory of Leah bas Rochel 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 Bamidbor ([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 Reuben, 59,300 for the tribe of Simeon, and so on.
Interestingly,
this Torah portion of Bamidbor is always read shortly before
the holiday of Shavuos, the holiday of our receiving the Torah.
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 Shavuos!
If you would like to dedicate the
weekly Parsha Perspective in honor or memory of a person or occasion, please contact Rabbi Shusterman at yshusterman@chedermonsey.org
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