Parasha ki tisá
"When you take a census of the Israelites to determine their number, each one will be counted and will give a ransom (atonement offering) for his life. In this way, they will not be struck by the plague when they are counted."
(Shemot- Exodus 30:12)
The great commentator Rashi explains that it was forbidden to take a census (literally counting heads of the Benei Israel), rather "Take half a shekel per person and count the shekelim"
Why should we count the Jews in shekels and then give them to charity, thus avoiding the plague that comes with counting the people? Wouldn't it be better not to count the people and avoid the danger?
However, the count has a very important purpose. Each Jew serves the Creator according to his or her own abilities and limitations. The count implies a constriction of the Divine desire that burns within each person, to help each Jew control his or her energies and serve the Creator in a measured manner. The count is carried out through the "SheKel." This word has the same root as miShKaL, which means scale in Hebrew, on which each "individual" object is carefully weighed and defined (in this way, it can achieve perfection).
When the people are counted, unity reigns. The way to count the people of Israel is through charity, for example, the donation of the "half Shekel" that was given for the Tabernacle.
In unity there is blessing and truth, while in multiplicity lies and curses arise.
The Torah forbids counting Jews, (which emphasizes their separateness) lest one opens the door to lies and curses in their place.
Moses took the census, collecting half a shekel from each Jew. Charity unites the rich with the poor, and it represents unity, blessing, and truth.
Therefore, when the people of Israel gave the half-shekel to the Tabernacle and the Temple, it automatically produced an interaction between them, since "every half requires the other half" to make a whole. This interaction illuminates each person, helping them see the path to their proper level and rise there. Thus, by giving charity, one elevates one's neighbor to levels they could not previously reach.
Our Sages already said it "Charity saves from death"
Hashem desires to see us united in love, helping one another. "love of neighbor" Only in this way can we find a solution to the many problems that have befallen our generation, especially in recent times, where there is so much "unnecessary hatred."
May we understand this message, so that each one can make the change and generate that love and good that is so needed, only then will we be able to see the Great Redemption, with the coming of our great Righteous One, "The true Messiah." May it be soon and in our days!
(Dedicated to the prompt healing of all the sick in Am Israel and throughout the world, and to the success and blessing of all those who dedicate themselves to the spread of Emuna)
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