As we begin the book of Numbers, we are again introduced to the counting of the Israelites before they set out from the base of Mt. Sinai. We saw it earlier toward the end of the book of Exodus, we Israelites are counted as they contribute their half-shekel.
But even earlier in Torah, Abraham is told that the Israelites will in fact be hard to count. Indeed they might be infinite, or, so numerous it would be difficult, if not impossible, to count them all.
“Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them”—continuing, “So shall your offspring be.” (Genesis 15:5)
We can reconcile this week's portion, with finite, countable Israelites and the prophecy of seemingly infinite numbers of the children of Abraham, as does the Kli Yakar, the late 16th century rabbi from Prague wrote. While we are finite, countable beings in our physical bodies, we are infinite, boundless potential in the realm of what we can dream, envision, design, and plan.
As we begin Bamidbar (in the wilderness), let us live into our boundless potential that our finite physicality represents. Let our ancestral legacy toward justice and peace know no bounds.
Shabbat shalom,
R’ David
But even earlier in Torah, Abraham is told that the Israelites will in fact be hard to count. Indeed they might be infinite, or, so numerous it would be difficult, if not impossible, to count them all.
“Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them”—continuing, “So shall your offspring be.” (Genesis 15:5)
We can reconcile this week's portion, with finite, countable Israelites and the prophecy of seemingly infinite numbers of the children of Abraham, as does the Kli Yakar, the late 16th century rabbi from Prague wrote. While we are finite, countable beings in our physical bodies, we are infinite, boundless potential in the realm of what we can dream, envision, design, and plan.
As we begin Bamidbar (in the wilderness), let us live into our boundless potential that our finite physicality represents. Let our ancestral legacy toward justice and peace know no bounds.
Shabbat shalom,
R’ David
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