By Rabbi Dovid Markel
This week’s parsha begins with the account of names of all the Israelites who came to Egypt. The Torah (Shemot, 1:1) states: “And these are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt; with Jacob, each man and his household came.”
Rashi explain the reason that G-d counts them now, though He recently counted them in Parshat Vayigash:
“Although [G-d] counted them in their lifetime by their names (Bereishit, 46:8-27), He counted them again after their death, to let us know how precious they are [to Him], because they were likened to the stars.”
The significance of an individual is expressed in their name, and it is this that separates man from beast. Although we may give animals names as well, they are merely arbitrary designations and not intrinsic to their identity.
A human being is special and separate from his fellow. We cannot all be classified simply as humans. We are each different and distinct, and possess our own individual name and identity.
Possibly the greatest existential angst that man deals with is a feeling of insignificance. We often wonder what possible effect we can have in respect to world events and how we can possibly matter to an infinite G-d.
This is the message in G-d counting each and every Israelite by name. G-d is imparting to us that we are not just a mass of humanity, but that we individually matter.
In G-d counting each specific name, it expresses that our singular mission is precious to G-d. When we truly grasp the awesomeness of mattering to G-d and realize our importance, we will have renewed energy in our respective missions of transforming this world.
So be happy. You really matter!
