To the world you may be just one person, but to some you are the entire world.

This past week Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice chairman of Merkos Linyonei Chinuch, passed away. Reb Moshe was very involved in big Chabad projects as well as the small Chabad Houses. Reb Moshe embodied the message the Rebbe pushed forth that every single Jew is precious. (see story in the P.S.)

This week's Torah portion begins with the description of the very lengthy process of counting every single Jew. Rashi comments "Because they were dear to Him, He counted them often". Classically, this is understood that when something is precious to you, you check in on it often. Imagine you were carrying a large sum of money or some precious jewels, wouldn’t you count them regularly to make sure they are all there?

I am suggesting that the goal wasn't merely to count each and every individual but to tell each and every individual that they count! In other words, the goal was to shine a huge light on every single individual. You are not only one of a large tribe/nation, you are also one of a kind. When one realizes that G-d sees you as unique and special, you respect yourself more, and act far more mindfully in anything that you do. To the world you may be just one person, but to some you are the entire world.

This is the legacy that Rabbi Kotlarsky left. However, it wasn't about him. He was all about living the Rebbe's message that every single Jew is precious.

May we all merit the imminent arrival of Moshiach even before the family gets up from shiva.

Have a good Shabbos and remember - you are precious!!

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

P.S. The Story - No such thing as a small Jew