Every Individual Matters

The Keli Yakar pointed out a grammatical problem with the first Pasuk of Parshat Re’eh. It begins with the singular word, ראה, which means, “You shall see.” It ends with the word, לפניכם, “Before all of you,” in the plural.

The explanation to this discrepancy is that the message to the general public, also applies to each individual Jew.

It is meant to teach how one must never minimize his own importance. Sometimes individuals may put themselves down thinking that they are insignificant in the larger scheme of things.

The message of the Keli Yakar is also found in the Rambam. One must look at the entire world as though it is exactly half full of merit, and half full of sin. The good deeds of just one individual, can tilt the entire world to the side of merit. We are supposed to feel that, בשבילי נברא העולם, that “the world was created for me.”

While we are never supposed to be arrogant, we are to realize that we have something to contribute to the world. We must stay focused and positive and learn to use our G-d given gifts in the best way possible. Each of us matters, and can make a difference. We must not forget this.