Counted Because You Count

BaMidbar (in the desert) is the opening parshah of the book of BaMidbar (Numbers). It is called Numbers because there are several censuses in this book of the Torah.

Reb Noson notes this and writes that this signifies the importance of every Jew. Each one is counted because each one counts! No matter your tribe, no matter your upbringing, no matter where you come from, YOU are Jewish, and therefore you are automatically an important member of the nation!

Additionally, the order of the weekly parshiot in the Chumash dictates that BaMidbar, the vast majority of the time, falls on the Shabbos prior to Shavuot. This is because to truly receive the Torah, we must stand and be counted – not only as an individual, but also as a nation. This translates into acting in unity, as one nation, rather than as fragmented and opposing forces, as it appears today.

Reb Noson writes that the worst affliction of these “Days of Mashiach,” the throes of which we are in today, is strife. Nothing delays our redemption than the arguments and quarrels that pervade society and distance people from one another. When we say “everyone counts,” how can we then say “but you don’t”? It is not like that! Everyone counts! How can I know this? When we respect one another. I don’t have to think like you, and I don’t have to agree with you. But I do have to accept you!

You as you are! You as a human being, and I have to respect you, regardless of your views. This is what Reb Noson is trying to say. Offer respect, offer kindness, offer a friendly smile! A simple smile can affect another person positively, so that we join together and become more considerate of others.

Then we can accept the Torah on Shavuot and learn not merely how to exist in this world, but how to live and succeed too!

Have a great Shabbos!