Tomorrow, we conclude our countdown from Passover to Shavuot, our yearly reflection of what it means to go from the Exodus from Egypt to Revelation on Mount Sinai. We reflect on the spirit and will of the Israelite people during these long and difficult days, as they began to wander somewhat hesitantly toward the receiving of laws and guidelines that would help them to live life as good Jews and good human beings.
This weekend we also read from the beginning of the Book of Numbers, where we learn of the first census recorded in the Torah, and the important idea that all people count. It is not coincidence that we celebrate the Torah portion of counting on the weekend that we conclude our literal counting of days. As an ancient people, we have learned to both count our days, and time, but also to count people.
My son was studying for a Social Studies test this week, and we were reviewing the history of Athens and the first ideas of democracy. The people of Athens, and the historians after, took great pride in the idea that every person's voice finally counted (at least as they understood 'every person' in those days). And once again in our Jewish history, we are reminded that 'every voice counts'. We have heard many stories on the news recently where we are reminded that we need to use our voices to count.
Whether we are counting days toward a significant event or counting people in our community and in our world, our voices matter.
Be counted, and keep counting.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
Hope to see you over Shabbat and the Holiday Celebration,
Rabbi Bravo
This weekend we also read from the beginning of the Book of Numbers, where we learn of the first census recorded in the Torah, and the important idea that all people count. It is not coincidence that we celebrate the Torah portion of counting on the weekend that we conclude our literal counting of days. As an ancient people, we have learned to both count our days, and time, but also to count people.
My son was studying for a Social Studies test this week, and we were reviewing the history of Athens and the first ideas of democracy. The people of Athens, and the historians after, took great pride in the idea that every person's voice finally counted (at least as they understood 'every person' in those days). And once again in our Jewish history, we are reminded that 'every voice counts'. We have heard many stories on the news recently where we are reminded that we need to use our voices to count.
Whether we are counting days toward a significant event or counting people in our community and in our world, our voices matter.
Be counted, and keep counting.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
Hope to see you over Shabbat and the Holiday Celebration,
Rabbi Bravo
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