Streets Paved with Gold

by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine

When the Jewish People were counted in the desert, we find that the numbers of the different tribes ranged from the thirty thousands to the seventy thousands, with one exception. The tribe of Levi had noticeably fewer people than the other tribes. Their tribe is listed at twenty two thousand.

The fact that the tribe of Levi had less population growth would not be remarkable, except for the fact that it had an edge over the other tribes. The people of the other tribes were counted from the age of twenty, while people from the special tribe of Levi were counted the age of one month. One would expect that the counting of children would boost their numbers considerably. Still, their numbers are less than the other tribes, a phenomenon that requires explanation.

The commentaries explain that much of the population growth of the tribes was due to the phenomenal blessing that was granted to them during the oppression in Egypt. The verse states, “As the Egyptians oppressed them, so did they multiply.” This blessing applied most greatly to the tribes who were directly enslaved. The tribe of Levi, however,was largely excluded from the oppression. As such, it did not receive the miraculous blessing that resulted from the enslavement. Their numbers were less than the other tribes, even when their children were included in the count.

The lesson here is twofold. Firstly, adversity breeds greatness. Through challenge, people become greater. This is highlighted by the stark contrast of numbers between the enslaved tribes and the tribe of Levi.

But, there is a second lesson as well.

Although the tribe of Levi did not have the blessing associated with the challenges of slavery, its members did apparently achieve greatness in other ways.  The tribe of Levi was the one tribe who in its entirety did not participate in the golden calf. The tribe of Levi was known as “The Legion of the King,” and was chosen to serve in the Sanctuary and, later, in the Beis Hamikdash. Although they did not experience the growth that results from dramatic challenge, they did achieve greatness through slow but steady growth.

There are many people who do not grow unless they are forced to. Only when challenge strikes do they begin to discover their potential. When illness strikes a family member, G-d protect us, then they begin to discover the ability to communicate with G-d through prayer. Also, only when in crisis, do they reach out to friends and family.

There is, however, a different approach, the approach of the tribe of Levi. The tribe of Levi did not benefit from crisis like the other tribes, but its members did strive constantly to grow in greatness. Although they were not blessed in numbers, they were recognized for their achievements, which resulted from using and creating opportunities for growth.

It is said that during World War One there was some dangerous fighting that took place right in front of the house in which Rabbi Ahron Kotler was staying. People in the house knew that a single stray bullet could hit them at any moment. During the heavy fighting the people who were hiding remained quiet, each one lost in his own thoughts and prayers. During those tense moments, the person sitting next to Rabbi Kotler heard him repeating softly again and again, yearningly, as if in meditational prayer, “So much to accomplish; so much to accomplish.”

Knowing how much Rabbi Kotler accomplished in the remaining decades of his lifetime, one is awed by the impact of his fervent prayer.

There are people who will only achieve greatness when pushed into, and stressed out, with crisis. But, there are others who live life self-compelled to do good. Their slogan is, “So much to accomplish; so much to accomplish.”

In the early 1900’s, it was said among European potential immigrants to the United States that the U.S. was a “Golden Country“ and that “the streets are paved with gold.” Although in a literal sense the poor immigrants did not find this to be true, and many struggled miserably to set their lives in order, in a figurative sense the streets of our communities are paved with gold- They are paved with golden mitzvah opportunities. There is much help that can be offered, if we will just pay attention. There is much Torah that can be studied and taught, if we would only believe that it is within our power to make our world a better place.

Torah Judaism urges us to grow daily, to emulate the way of the tribe of Levi. We pray that we should not have to endure crisis, even though we know that crisis will make us greater. Instead we pray for daily success, to participate in the many mitzvah opportunities that are presented before us. The prayer of a Jew- as King David expressed it- is “Cast upon G-d that which you wish to give…” Tell Him all that you would like to accomplish. And then, as the verse concludes, “…He will support you,” and enable you to succeed.

With best wishes for a wonderful Shabbos!

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