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Why does the Torah (תורה) count the Jewish people specifically at this juncture in Parshas Bamidbar? The word 'pekudim' means both counting and appointing, revealing that positions create spiritual realities rather than merely assigning tasks. This principle explains why people shouldn't avoid Torah leadership roles thinking they lack capabilities - the appointment itself provides the necessary divine energies and transforms the person.
This shiur begins by questioning Rashi (רש"י)'s explanation of the counting in Parshas Bamidbar - why does the Torah (תורה) count the Jewish people at this particular juncture? The Rav suggests that the Hebrew word 'pekudim' means both counting and appointing, indicating that this census represents an elevation and transformation of the Jewish people into a new spiritual reality as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael as the 'army of Hashem (ה׳).' The discussion then moves to a Gemara (גמרא) about Chana's prayer, specifically her words 'Roma karni b'Hashem' (my horn is elevated through Hashem) and the distinction between kings anointed from a horn (keren) versus a clay vessel (pach). Kings anointed from a horn, like Dovid and Shlomo, established lasting dynasties, while those anointed from clay vessels did not. This leads to an analysis of the verse 'Ein kadosh ka'Hashem ki ein biltecha' - there is no holy one like Hashem because nothing outlasts You.
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Parshas Bamidbar - Pekudei
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