Stand Up and Be Counted

The Book of Bamidbar begins with a census taking of the males between twenty and sixty. Rashi comments on this by explaining that we tend to count things that we cherish.

This is why there is another census after the sin of the Golden Calf. There needed to be an accounting of how many remained after this tragedy. It was Hashem’s desire that the Divine Presence would rest on the nation once again.

The Chidushei Harim makes an interesting observation about counting. He points out that among the Kashrut laws, there is usually the principle that a prohibited food is nullified with a ratio of sixty to one. At that point, the forbidden taste can no longer be felt.

However, there is a special law regarding דבר שבמניין, something that has such importance, that it is counted. The rule regarding such foods is that because of their importance, they can never be nullified, regardless of the ratio.

This was Hashem’s intent in counting the Jewish people. He wanted to be certain that His beloved people would never be canceled, and they would exist forever.

Perhaps this is connected to the slogan, “Stand up and be counted!” Each and every Jew must see himself as being part of Am Yisrael and our special destiny. When we are counted, we will not be nullified. Am Yisrael Chai!