Last week we talked about feeling invisible. 

It seemed to strike a chord. 

Many strong, accomplished and successful women shared with me that they felt the words were speaking directly to them. 

We need to take the time to really see the people in our lives. 

Because even those who seem to have it all, are in need of attention, validation and empathy.

Everyone needs to be seen for who they really are - everyone needs to count. 

Rabbi Aryeh Levin who was known as The Tzadik (the holy man) of Jerusalem, for his selfless work on behalf of those in need, once came upon a soldier he knew, who was home on military leave. The Rabbi crossed the street, greeted the soldier and invited him home for a glass of tea. The soldier demurred. He felt he couldn’t join the Rabbi as he no longer wore a kippah. Rabbi Levin took the soldier’s hand in his own and said “I am short, I cannot see high enough to see you your head. But I can see your heart and your heart is big. You are a soldier willing to sacrifice for us all. Please come drink tea with me. Your kippa is bigger than mine.”

Rabbi Levin saw to the heart of the matter. He could really perceive the man who stood before him. 

This week’s Torah portion is called Ki Tisa, which means when you lift the head (of the Jewish people). 

The portion begins with Gd commanding Moses to take a census of the Jewish people. 

The methodology used to take the census is not by counting people, but rather by having each individual donate a half shekel coin and counting those coins instead. 

Counting actual people is forbidden. 

When you count people you objectify them. 

We lose sight of the essence of the person. 

Nonetheless Gd still commanded Moses to take a census. 

Why?

We are learning that a census is not about counting each individual, it’s about making every individual count. 

That is why the Torah starts the census with the unusual language of lifting up everyone’s head, because when we recognize the special qualities of each individual we lift that person and help them realize their power and potential. 

Sometimes we look at others through our glasses, and sometimes we see someone through the reflection of a mirror. 

The Portion also mentions the commandment to build a laver, the wash basin, which was used by the Priests for spiritual cleansing prior to their beginning their holy work in the Tabernacle. 

This laver was created from the copper mirrors that were donated by the women. They had used those mirrors to beautify themselves in Egypt, in the darkest of times, to keep intimacy between husband and wife, alive in their homes. This dedication displayed by the women was in direct contrast to the menfolk who were destroyed by their circumstances, feeling utter hopelessness in the face of their servitude. The women used their faith and their copper mirrors to prevail. They were able to see the possibilities of redemption and recognized their role in its realization. 

When the women donated the mirrors for the Tabernacle, Moses did not want to accept them. 

He saw base desire. 

Such an intention was not appropriate for the materials used to create the holy vessels of the House of Gd. 

Gd, however,instructed Moses to take the mirrors, for in them Gd saw the pure reflection of the women’s faith and dedication in the face of death and destruction. 

The Torah is very specific in the measurements of each of the vessels. It is curious that when instructing Moses to create the laver, Gd provides no dimensions at all. 

Our Sages teach us that is because Gd wanted to include each copper shard. Gd did not provide dimensions as not one of the mirrors was to be excluded. 

Because the contributions of each woman was not only precious but critical. 

Gd saw each woman’s deepest intentions, and each woman perceived Gd’s plan. 

I went to pay a shiva visit today. The man who passed away lived a long and successful life. He built a beautiful family and donated generously to many causes leaving a meaningful and impactful legacy. 

His daughter told me that a few weeks ago her Dad gave her some instructions. 

This wealthy and accomplished man told his daughter to make sure to donate his glasses. 

She replied to her father that he would be unable to see if she gave away his glasses. 

He then responded by saying:

After I die, give away my glasses, they will help someone see. 

If we use the right set of glasses, we will truly be able to see what is right in front of us. 

That well may be quite the spectacle, as we will be able to use our vision to discern and comprehend what is truly in our field of vision!!

Shabbat Shalom and so much love!