In Parshat Bamidbar we learn about how G-d instructed the Israelites to make a count of all 20–60 year olds in the nation. Rashi explains that G-d cares about these numbers because each person is dear to Him, so He counts them often, just as He did after the exodus from Egypt and after the destruction of the golden calf. G-d cared about the size of the nation, saying that He was “counting on” the ones remaining to continue the journey and ensure that His Presence rested in the Tabernacle. 

It is important to note however, that the text says that the Jewish people should “Lift the heads of the entire congregation of Israel”. But why does it go out of its way to use this description instead of the more simple instruction to just “count everyone”? 

In Rabbi Sacks’ interpretation, he explains that this expression is important because it emphasises that these are unique individuals, not numbers or statistics. This parsha, as explained by Rabbi Sacks, delivers the message that every single individual in the Jewish nation has their own significance. 

In modern business, the uniqueness of individuals is often ignored. People, no matter their qualities or characteristics, are seen as statistics, as plots on a graph – unless they have the extremely unusual opportunity to dramatically alter facts and figures. This is true in many aspects of our lives; we tend to simplify things, making them streamlined for the sake of looking better. Take our MYP grades for example. While we do receive feedback and support, our progress is ultimately monitored by a simple number between 1 and 8. In life outside school we often see things through the lens of monetary value; or judge people based on a first impression. The originality of our thinking has been sub-contracted to AI platforms, further reducing our creativity to re-organised fluff. 

In many ways we are simply counting: our thinking is completely opposite to G-d’s instructions to the Israelites. While He said “Lift the Heads”, re-enforcing our individuality and impact on the nation, we intentionally or not, omit that approach in favour of simplicity and uniformity. We should instead follow in G-d’s footsteps, copying His way of “counting” in order to include the irregularities and imperfections – the complicated nuances. We should care more about who we are, and our impact, than the ease of automation. We were made in G-d’s image, and as His nation and children, we should “count” in His way, create as He creates, and lift each other up in the way He has always lifted us. 

Shabbat Shalom

Written by Noah, Grade 11