We live in a world dominated by fame. It’s like one big contest who can get more attention. Do whatever it takes to become a celebrity. What about us simple people, the ones not pursued by the paparazzi; are we smaller? Are we less important?
This week’s Torah portion begins with the commandment to take a census of the Jewish People. The manner in which this was done was that each Jew was to contribute half a shekel to the coffers of the
The verse continues, “The rich shall not increase, nor shall the poor decrease.” It must be exactly half a Shekel.
This teaches us an important lesson. We must see the equality of all the people amongst us, though we were each created uniquely, we are all created in G- d’s image, and this connects us all, rich or poor, strong or weak.
But why a half-shekel, what’s wrong with a full Shekel? There is yet another important lesson that we can derive. When counting ourselves, when judging who we are, we must realize that we are incomplete. As much as we have accomplished in our life, if we are on our own, we are lacking. Only when we are in unity are we truly complete.
So, there is no one bigger or smaller than us. We all come from the same mint. This thought should bring us together and unite us.
Shabbat Shalom,
ChabadTexas.org Editor
P.S. This Purim we dressed up as the Dr. Seuss Family as part of Uptown’s American Idol Purim (pics & YouTube Video). We were Mom & Dad and the kids were Good Things 1, 2, 3 & 4. Vote for us and add your own picture to enter the contest!