Rebound and Rectify
After the fiasco of the golden calf, HaShem instructed Moshe Rabenu to take a census. However, instead of saying "count" the people, the Torah says "elevate" the people. There is a precious secret contained in this choice of words. How would Klal Yisrael ever make amends for such a spiritual decline? HaShem, in an amazing display of compassion, granted them the opportunity to elevate themselves and restore their spiritual equalibrium. How? Through participating in the Mitzvah of the census.
Lesson: Every act we do has either a negative or positive impact. Therefore, it is to our advantage to avoid every improper deed and word. Nevertheless, even if we "slip," HaShem gives us a way to rebound and rectify ourselves.
Visualization: Envision how despondent Klal Yisrael felt after the incident of the "golden calf." See how their participation in the Mitzvah of the census uplifted them from darkness to light. Be assured that whenever you engage in the Teshuvah process, your soul is cleansed and elevated to its glory, holiness, and joy. (Based on commentary of the Ohr HaChaim) In order to schedule a ten-minute consultation with Rabbi Zvi Miller, via skype or phone, send email request to salantorg@gmail.com | 
