What's more important, the individual or the collective?
How important am I? Is my only value being part of the community? Do I have a unique value that I bring on my own?
We find something interesting in this week's Torah portion when speaking about the accounting done of all the funds brought in for the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. The parsha begins by saying; every one whose heart is willing - כֹּל נְדִיב לִבּוֹ, each individual’s dollar was counted and shown appreciation and importance. And then we see how this portion is all about how all the contributions added up to making the whole Mishkan project possible.
This is especially relevant for our community here in Harford County. In building the Harford Haven (harfordhaven.org), we recognize that each individual is donating as much as they can, while the total of all the gifts is making the building a reality.
Interestingly, in different societies they emphasize one side of this equation. In America, individualism is most important; the value of each person's unique and diverse perspective is appreciated. In other cultures, what’s important is only how a person is part of the larger group, like in communism.
Judaism tries to strike a balance. Every individual is valued for their individualism and individual importance. Yet each one together will make up the Jewish people.
This is one of the messages of this week's Torah portion. It not only accounts for every dollar that was given but also ensures that every person recognizes that their contribution, no matter the size, is important. Together, they made the Mishkan possible.
You are important. Your individual contribution to society and to the Jewish people is imperative. Simultaneously, you are part of a commnity that is not the same without U.
Jdaism is missing something without U.
Hope to see you soon and have a good Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. to sign up for the seder visit harfordchabad.org/seder
P.P.S. did you get the HarfordHaven.org mailer? The bilding wants U to get involved.