| “Take a census of the entire assembly of the Children of Israel” (Bamidbar 1:2).
On this verse, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:9) offers a beautiful insight: “HaKadosh Baruch Hu said to Klal Yisrael, ‘I have never loved any creation more than I love you. Therefore, I have elevated you and likened you to Myself. Just as I am exalted above all humanity, so too have I elevated you.’” When HaShem commands a census of the Jewish people, it is not merely for the sake of numbers. Rather, it is a profound expression of His boundless love. Each act of counting reflects His affection — as if to say, “You are so precious to Me that I wish to count you again and again.”
The love HaShem bears for His nation is so great that He counts us constantly, just as one might frequently gaze upon a treasured possession. Each time He looks upon us, His love intensifies, and He lifts us higher, drawing us closer to Him.
HaShem’s relationship with Klal Yisrael is like that of a father who cherishes his son deeply, always speaking of him with pride and affection. He doesn’t merely say, “Yaakov wrote me a letter,” but rather, “My Yaakov, who wrote me a letter.” Not just, “Avraham is doing well,” but “My Avraham, who is excelling in school.” The personal attachment is evident in every mention.
Even more telling is the way HaShem commanded Moshe to conduct the census. Moshe was to go tent by tent, entering each family’s domain. As he stood at the entrance, the Shechinah — the Divine Presence — entered with him. A Bat Kol (Heavenly voice) then declared the number of souls inside.
Today: Could there be a more moving picture of Divine closeness? HaShem, in His love, enters our homes — not from afar, but as one visits a beloved friend. He comes into our midst, blessing each household with His presence. Fortunate is the nation so cherished by HaShem! (Based on the Da’as Torah of Rav Yerucham Levovitz)
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