“These are the names of the Children of Israel who came to Egypt… And all the souls descendant of Yaakov were seventy.” ( Shemos 1:1-5) Rashi comments, “Although God had already counted them in their lifetime, He again counted them at the time of their death, to express His love for them. For they are like the stars which He takes out and brings in by number and name; as it is written (Isiah 40:26)”He takes out their hosts by number, He calls them each by their name.” As we head into Golus we are once again counted and named by God. Rashi makes it clear that this is an act of love. Somehow, by counting and naming us we will be able to hold onto this feeling through a long and bitter exile. Several questions come to mind. What exactly is the inner meaning behind counting and naming? What is the difference between counting and naming? How will this help us on our journey through the “smelting pit” of Mitzrayim? Counting Every Child If you have ever been a camp counselor taking your bunk on a trip you know what it means to count. Especially with the younger campers we find ourselves counting our assigned campers every couple of minutes. Did all of us get off the ride? Did we all make it to the next ride together? Why does that one camper keep wandering off? Counting is our way of expressing that every one of us is important. “And all the souls descendant of Yaakov were seventy.” Not all people are gifted with the same talents. Some of us are exceptionally unique destined to live
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