Parashat Bamidbar

Bamidbar 5768/2008

This week's parsha emphasises the importance of each and every individual. There were 600,000 men of military service age in the Jewish nation that set out from Mt Sinai towards the Promised Land. That figure indicates that there would have been close to 2 million people. The numbers are amazing, considering that when Jacob's family went to Egypt it comprised of just 70 people.

However, we should not be distracted by the large number. What the parsha teaches is that each family had a unique role. The Jewish people were to proceed on their journey in formation and each family needed to know its particular position. The families of the Cohanim  had their particular roles; the Levites had theirs. Even the ordinary Israelite tribes were counted and assigned roles, each proudly carrying its banner.

What was true for tribes, and families within tribes, was and is true for individuals. According to the Torah, each individual is unique and contributes to the world in a unique way. The Talmud explains that one of the miracles of creation is that every human being is created in the Divine image, yet each is different. Each was created to fulfil that which only she or he can fulfil. Each person counts - and is counte.