Everyone Counts

Parshas Bamidbar

Rabbi Zweig from torah.org

...according to the number of names..."(1:3)

Chazal refer to the fourth book of the Torah as Sefer HaPekudim - The Book Of Counting. Presumably this is because of the census found in this week's Parsha. However, this is not the first census Bnei YisroeI took. We find a similar census in Sefer Shemos. What is unique about this census that Chazal would define an entire Sefer by it?


   Counting can be used for two purposes. One purpose for counting is to combine individual elements as a group. The other purpose for counting is to give each of the different elements within a group its own identity, giving the individual the feeling that "he counts". This is accomplished by focusing on each individual separately, rather than on the group as a whole. The purpose of the counting found in Sefer Shemos is to unify the Jews as a nation following their exodus from Egypt. In Sefer Bamidbar we find the expression "bemispar shaymos" - "they were counted according to their names". The reason for this is that the focus of the counting is to emphasize the individuality of each person within the group. Identifying a person by his name is a way of focusing upon his individuality. This expression does not appear in Sefer Shemos, for if the function of the counting is to unify the people as a nation, there is no need to identify individuals by name.

Very often when a person is part of a large group, he senses a loss of his individuality and self-expression. To compensate for this, he has a tendency to break away from the group. The message of the counting in Sefer Bamidbar is that there is room for individuality and self-expression within the confines of the group. Indeed, interpersonal relationships within the group can enhance individuality and offer the opportunity for self-expression.  This explains why the division of tribes and their banners are mentioned in the census of Bamidbar, and not in that of Shemos.¹ The ability to identify oneself in connection with a particular tribe and represented by a particular banner, further enhances a person's sense of individuality.

1.See 1:20-44, 2:2