The Book of Bamidbar is also called by the rabbis Chumash HaPekudim – the “Book of Numbers” – because it contains two lengthy censuses of Bnei Yisrael. Yet throughout Tanach, counting people is sometimes viewed positively and at other times as a sin. What determines whether counting is an act of blessing or of transgression?

Parshat Bamidbar opens with God commanding Moshe to count the men of military age, preparing the nation to enter the Land of Israel. Rashi comments: “Because of God’s love for Israel, He counts them often…” This stands in sharp contrast to when King David counts the people. The book of Divrei Hayamim states that God was displeased with his counting. What was the difference?

In Bamidbar God commands the counting, whereas later, David initiates it. Moreover, Sforno explains that in Bamidbar they were counted “with names,” emphasizing each individual and his unique contribution to the nation. Thinking of people as numbers is dangerous, as we know too well from Jewish history. One final insight comes from Ramban, who notes a striking linguistic difference. In Bamidbar, the Torah uses the root פקד, which can also imply remembrance or redemption; in David’s census, the verb is ספר, simply “to count.” Counting, Ramban suggests, should be done rarely – only when necessary, and only for constructive, redemptive purposes.

This week, once again, we heard false “counts” used to demonize Israel – alongside less publicized evidence-based reports of the atrocities of October 7. May the world’s countings be truthful, and may they always serve purposes of justice and redemption. Shabbat Shalom🇮🇱 -Karen Miller Jackson