The book of Bamidbar begins with a census of the Israelites. That is why this book is known in English as Numbers. This raises a number of questions: What is the significance of this act of counting? And why here at the beginning of the book? 

The Torah uses a special phrase for counting: “lift the head” of the people. This is different from just saying “count” or “number.” But why? Counting can sometimes make people feel like just a number in a crowd, an anonymous part of a big group. When we think of a nation of sixty million people, or a company with one hundred thousand employees, or a sports crowd of sixty thousand, the total tends to value the group or nation as a whole. This makes it easy to forget the importance of each individual: one soldier dies in a battle, another will take their place; if one person leaves the company, someone else can be hired to do their job.

But Judaism teaches us something very different: every person is unique and valuable. Each of us is created in the image of G-d, and every life is like an entire universe. This means that even in a huge crowd, G-d sees each person’s face and knows their thoughts. So when G-d tells Moshe to “lift the heads,” it means to remind everyone that they matter as individuals, not just as part of a group.

This idea is very relevant to us, especially now that we have just finished our exams. Sometimes during exams, it can feel like we are just one among many students, all trying to get through the same tests. It’s easy to feel like just a number or a score. But we should  remember, that each of us has our own unique strengths and talents. Our worth is not just in the grades or results, but in who we are as individuals.

Leadership in Judaism is about respecting each person’s value. Moshe, the greatest leader, was not known for being a powerful speaker. Instead, he led by lifting people up, by teaching and caring for each individual. A good leader does not try to control people by fear or hate but by showing love and respect to everyone, especially those who might feel left out.

So as we move forward from our exams and continue our journey, let’s remember this message: we are all important, each one of us. We should lift each other’s heads, recognize each other’s worth, and work together as a community. Whether in school, at home, or in the wider world, let’s be leaders and friends who see the value in every person.

Thank you, congratulations on finishing your exams, and Shabbat Shalom. 

Ariel, Grade 10