I Matter,The Value of Every Individual

When schools embark on field trips, a common practice is to assign each child a number. As they prepare to leave each location, the counting begins: each student calls out their number in sequence. This method provides structure, ensuring no one is left behind. It might seem that in becoming ‘Number Eight,’ a child loses their individual identity. However, this number actually reinforces their significance. It is a reassurance: they are accounted for, they are integral to the group, and without them, the journey cannot proceed.

I witnessed this firsthand during a recent visit to Israel, where I spent a day with a high school on tour. Each student called out their number with pride, signaling to their principal that they were present, attentive, and ready to move forward.

Torah portion Bamidbar

Bamidbar, the fourth book of the Torah, opens with a clear theme: the census of individuals. As one delves into the parsha, it becomes evident that there is a profound emphasis on enumeration. Each tribe is meticulously named, alongside the sons of each tribe and the tally of its members, adding in the grand total of 600,000 Israelites. This meticulous counting underscores the essence of the parsha: every individual counts.

It’s particularly striking that an entire parsha is dedicated to this act of counting, especially in a setting as harsh and unforgiving as the desert—a place seemingly devoid of life’s essentials, both physical and spiritual. Yet, this recurrence of counting reveals a deeper truth. Despite the barren backdrop, the Torah underscores our undeniable significance. We matter. I matter. My contribution matters. It is as if the Torah seeks to remind us of our value to our Creator, who keeps an account of His people, affirming that even in the most desolate circumstances, each person is precious and indispensable.

Life often presents challenges that, though intended to foster growth, can diminish our sense of self-worth. For many, particularly those raised in difficult environments, the fundamental belief that “I matter” may never fully develop. This is especially true for individuals who have endured abuse or trauma, experiences that can deeply scar one’s self-perception and obscure their inherent value.

As parents, we strive to nurture our children just as our parents did with us, albeit under the influence of our own life experiences. These experiences form a metaphorical blanket under which we raise our children—some blankets are heavy, laden with resentment, trauma, anger, and distrust, while others are lighter, allowing the warmth, light, and kindness we intend for our children to shine through. This legacy of emotional experiences is passed down through generations.

Individual Healing Journey

It is our divine calling to ensure that our blankets are as translucent as possible. We can achieve this by engaging in personal development—through therapy, mindful practices, and other means that allow us to process and release these burdens. By doing so, we not only reclaim our sense of importance but also empower our children to recognize and embrace their own intrinsic value.

This journey of continuous self-improvement, paired with spiritual nourishment, strengthens our core belief that “I matter.” As we deepen our relationship with our Creator, we begin to recognize our essential role in His world. My existence is purposeful because He wills it so.

Importance of each person

Every day, God grants me opportunities to contribute through my work, allowing me to elevate His world. This is not just a task but a privilege. It mirrors the symbolism of the half-shekel, representing each individual’s contribution to a larger whole. My presence is crucial, and so are my contributions.

This understanding brings profound reassurance and responsibility: I am called to develop my unique skills, talents, and disposition to make a meaningful impact. Recognizing this, I see that each of us has a divine task to not only exist but to enrich the world uniquely and significantly.

In a world where many are searching for purpose and meaning, God’s message is clear: make yourself count. Remember, you matter. You possess values, knowledge, and skills that are crucial in today’s world. Stand up and be counted. Voice what is right and what is wrong, guided by Torah values. Your words and actions might just bring light to someone lost in darkness.

The Torah does not indulge in unnecessary repetition. If a concept is reiterated, it is because of its profound significance. We are reminded that collectively, we are one people—Jews. Individually, each of us is a Jew called upon to make a meaningful contribution to the world. I matter. My contribution matters.