Ask someone how many Jewish people there are in the world, and you might get numbers like 50 Million, 100 Million, 600 Million, or a Billion, as evidenced by the survey conducted by Humans of Judaism. Of course, we know the truth: we're less than 15 Million worldwide, or 0.2% of the world's overall population, still not back to our pre-Holocaust numbers.) This chasm between what people believe and reality boggles the mind and begs the question, why? Why do we seem to be more numerous than we actually are?
The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Bamdibar, the first of the fourth eponymous book. There, we learn about the census taken of the Jewish people as they travel through the desert. G-d tells Moshe to instruct them to each contribute a Half-Shekel coin, which will then be counted, rather than have them counted directly. There are a variety of reasons why Hashem instructed them to do so; one in particular really touched me this week. G-d is teaching Moshe and the Jewish people that they are measured not merely by their existence in this world but by their contribution to improving it.
This becomes our creed and motivation: our numbers don't matter, our impact does. We have taken this lesson as a guide in every industry we've touched, influencing, impacting, enhancing the world, and making our contribution felt beyond our existence.
This is not a mere theory but a reality that generations of Jewish people have exemplified throughout history. In recent years, few have embodied this principle better than Rabbi Moshe Kotlaskrsy, a beacon of inspiration, a pillar of support, and a mentor to thousands of Chabad Rabbis worldwide. In his role as Vice Chairman of Chabad International, he has tirelessly championed the growth of Jewish life, leaving an indelible impact on our community. As one man, he only counted as one, but his contributions measure in the hundreds of thousands, all because he dared to ask what else can I do to help others. What else can I do to further the mission of making this world home for G-d? What else can I do to bring Moshiach?
As his earthly mission sadly came to an end this week, we must rally to his cry and carry this mantle forward, constantly asking this question: what else can I contribute to the world around me to make it the divine dwelling G-d intended it to be? May his memory be a blessing for his family and us all, and may they find true comfort in knowing his incredible mark on this world.
Mission: Approach every moment as an opportunity to contribute and make an impact. Make the most of each positive possibility, and you'll leave an impact on this world you may never fully know. CLICK HERE for a story exemplifying this quality.