Who Counts?
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, Chabad @ Flamingo
As the most dramatic election in modern history plays itself out south of the border, many spotlights have been focused on the will of ordinary people. The weight and power of “one” has taken center stage.
Consider the tedious hand counting of single ballots. Imagine the delicate process of determining each individual voter’s intentions. How inspiring! Such emphasis placed on the sacred democratic right for each of us to count.
It would appear that this unprecedented display of concern for individual voices to be heard validates our uniqueness and singular value. The lavish outpouring of attention may finally satisfy our essential inner desire to be listened to and considered. In some strange way the endless recounting of ballots seems to bestow sublime and pivotal meaning to everyone’s own importance.
But does it really?
To be sure, the careful reckoning certainly says that sometimes we can really count. The big question is however: As what?
Factually speaking, counting simply implies a tally of numbers. This is especially true of election results. So then, what the stormy arguments plaguing sunny Florida really boil down to is: can you and I count as a number. You may count, but only as a faceless, nameless ballot chub devoid of personality or distinctive identity.
Judaism believes you count too. But not only in demographic or statistical terms. Not only as an affiliate of a Jewish association or organization. You count because you are you. You count because you are a Jew.
Our beloved Rebbe of sainted memory would often quote this Mimonadean teaching “One must always view himself and the entire world as if on a perfectly balanced scale. A single act of loving-kindness could tip the scales favorably, ushering in for us all a universe of goodness and plenty, a world of peace and harmony.”
If your involvement in Jewish communal life makes you feel like you count only as a number on the membership listing, or detail on the Synagogue Sanctuary floor map it’s time for you to join us at The Family Shul!
Since its inception nearly three centuries ago the Chabad credo has been, and always will be, that every individual Jew, and in fact every Mitzvah really counts.
Chassidut teaches that every one of us has our own special mission here on earth. Every one of us holds a special piece of the cosmic puzzle that only we can affix. And Chabad has always been there, and is here today to help you find your very own genetic spiritual keys. We are here to help enable you to unlock and unleash your wealth of personal potential.
We are here to help you be yourself so that you can add up to your true value. At The Family Shul, you’ll find that rather than coming to davening, classes or social get-togethers to be counted, you just come and automatically count.
Don’t be fooled though, we may not be counting you as another number or statistic, however we sure are counting on you.
We’re counting on you to live up to your own potential. We’re counting on you to be the best person you can be. We’re counting on you to help us upgrade our community, neighborhood and environment by being all you can be, along with the rest of us.
So, please participate in our energetic and dynamic programs. Join us for a taste of Judaism as it was always meant to be: warm, welcoming and inclusive. At The Family Shul you can truly make a difference. Please join us. We’re really counting on YOU!