From: http://dinonline.org/wp-content/uploads/newsletter/en_61.pdf
The word
mispar
, or the root
SeFeR
, includes a number
of variant meanings. On
the one hand, it means to
number—to quantify a given
set of items, as Moshe was
instructed with regard to the
Children of Israel. On the
other, it means a book, or a
story. A third meaning is a
border town, an
ir sefar.
What is the common
denominator that binds these
meanings together?
It appears that the link
between these distinct
meanings is the concept
of grouping and joining
together. A book is the
grouping together of
individual pages, and a story
the coming together of
isolated events. Border towns
define the borders of a given
country, and 'group together'
the constituent towns within
the given borders. And the
process of counting bonds
members of the group together
in a single, defining count.
This leads us to understand
that the idea of
counting
goes beyond the concept of
numbering
. When we count—
or when we count correctly—
the individual members of the
counted group are united in the
act of the count itself. Each one
is an integral part of the group.
Each member of the nation of
Israel is necessary, vital for the
nation's very definition.
As we come towards Shavuos,
we continue to count the days,
defining the period between
Pesach and Shavuos as a time
of preparation and elevation in
advance of receiving the Torah.
At the same time, the week's
Parashah reminds us that we are
to count not only the days, but
even ourselves. Each one of us,
as an individual Jew, is essential
to the entire group, a status
that demands due respect and
consideration. The presence of
each one is required to ready us
for receiving the Torah.
With this in mind, may we
indeed merit to approach Sinai
"as one man with one heart,"
ready for receiving the Torah.
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