This week we begin reading the book of Bamidbar- Numbers. The first parsha begins with Hashem commanding Moshe to count the nation. Rashi comments that this  counting was in order for the Divine Presence to rest upon the Jewish Nation. The counting represents a certain unity and completion of the entire Nation as our Sages teach us that the Divine Presence does not rest on the people unless we are complete as a nation.

In order for us to be complete as a nation each person needs to be present and part of the community. If one person is missing then there is no completion. Sometimes it is very hard for us to fully comprehend our significance. We see some people that seem to be making great contributions to our people, they are noticed and receive lots of press and attention. If we aren't one of those influential people we may feel insignificant, but this is absolutely incorrect.

There is a well-known parable of a few people who set sail on sea voyage. As the boat reached the middle of the ocean one of the passengers took out a drill and started drilling a hole in the boat. Everyone started screaming at him for doing such a stupid thing. He responded by saying that he bought a ticket on the boat and he is only drilling under his seat so they have no reason to complain. I think we are living this parable today in real life. Some people may go out and act in reckless ways claiming that they are young and healthy and have no concerns about getting sick, but it is clear to everyone how those people can spread a deadly virus to others that are in a compromised situation. These people are claiming that they are "only drilling under their own seat". It is clear that whatever decisions the world makes on "re-opening" there are severe risks on both sides. We all see that these decisions impact everyone and we don't live in a bubble. Each one of us is a very important link in how things move forward.

In terms of the Jewish People though this doesn't only hold true in terms of the destruction and harm we can do, but it is likewise just as impactful in positive way as well. We may be an "unknown Jew" living in the Midwest, does it really make a difference on a national level if we personally keep Shabbas or not? If we lay teffilin does it really matter to anyone else? The answer from this week's parsha makes it clear, every person counts. We cannot give up on any soul, including our own.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath