Why Were Women Not Counted?
1. The Significance of Counting in Parshas Bamidbar
Recently, I gave a shiur for women about Parshas Bamidbar, focusing on the theme of counting. I quoted the holy Shaloh, who explains that being counted in halacha signifies importance. Normally, when a minority is mixed into a majority, the minority is nullified and loses its identity. Since the Jewish people are a minority among the nations, one might think we could be nullified by the majority around us.
However, halacha teaches that if something is counted—meaning it is important—it cannot be nullified, no matter how large the majority. The fact that the Jews were counted, says the Shaloh, made them into an important entity: their being counted demonstrates their significance and ensures they will not be nullified. This empowers them to accomplish their unique mission.
2. The Question: Why Were Only Men Counted?
During that shiur, one of the women raised her hand and asked: “How come only men were counted? Does this mean women are not important? Why not count women as well?” We also know that only men from age 20 and up were counted. This question caught me off guard. My initial response was perhaps they were counting men as heads of households, so everyone was included indirectly. Or maybe women don’t need to be counted because their importance is inherent and doesn’t require enumeration.
I tried to offer various explanations but felt they didn’t fully address the issue. Later that day, I came across a sicha—a talk—from the Rebbe that provides a clear answer to this question.
3. The Rebbe’s Insight: Importance Precedes Counting
The Rebbe asks us to reconsider our assumptions about counting and importance. He points out that it isn’t the act of counting that makes something important; rather, things are counted because they are already important. In other words, inherent significance leads to being counted, not vice versa.
If so, what is accomplished by actually counting the Jewish people? If their importance means they cannot be nullified anyway, why does Hashem command an explicit census?
4. The Purpose of Counting: Revealing Importance to the World
The Rebbe explains that while intrinsic importance prevents nullification spiritually or halachically, there is another dimension: public recognition. The act of counting brings this significance into open revelation so that everyone can see it. This enables Jews to impact and influence the world around them.
If someone remains spiritually elevated but hidden from view, their greatness benefits only themselves and doesn’t affect their surroundings. By being openly counted, their importance becomes visible and allows them to make a difference in the physical world.
5. Why Only Men from Age 20?
The Rebbe further clarifies why only men from age 20 were included in the census. Up until age 20, a person focuses on personal growth: from five to ten years old studying Chumash; ten to fifteen learning Mishnah; fifteen to twenty learning Gemara—all stages devoted to building one’s own character and spiritual defenses.
After age 20 comes readiness for outward engagement: going out to war (as stated in the Torah), tackling life’s challenges, marrying, building a family—in short, engaging with and influencing the world at large. Therefore, only those who have reached this stage need their importance revealed through counting so they can fulfill their mission externally.
6. Application to Women: Inherent Importance Without Counting
This same logic applies to women as well. Traditionally in Torah perspective, it is primarily men who go out “to war,” meaning they engage with external challenges and public roles. Women’s primary role has been within the home: raising families and maintaining stability—a vital mission but one less focused on outward conquest or public recognition.
This does not mean women lack importance or value! On the contrary: their significance is intrinsic as part of Klal Yisrael—the Jewish people—and does not require external validation through counting. Only those whose task involves public action (men over 20) need this open demonstration of status for their worldly mission.
7. Being Counted in Practice: Lessons from Minyan
The idea of being “counted” has practical implications even today—for example, being part of a minyan—a quorum for prayer—which literally means “a number.” The Shulchan Aruch emphasizes being among the first ten present for communal prayer since these individuals actually form the minyan itself.
I want to acknowledge Moshe ben Shmuel (Marty), who exemplifies someone you can always count on—present every morning like clockwork unless there’s an emergency—and even working toward attending evenings as well! Being reliably present benefits not just oneself but also uplifts others and honors those who came before us.
8. Concluding Blessings: Preparing for Shavuos
This dedication brings merit to Shmuel ben Tzvihersh’s soul—every good deed performed by descendants elevates those who brought us into this world. May his soul rest in peace and be a source of blessing for his family.
May Hashem help us all merit seeing Mashiach’s arrival and techiyas hameisim—the resurrection of the dead—when we will be reunited with our loved ones once again.
As we approach Shavuos—this Shabbos is Shabbos Mevorchim, when we bless the month of Sivan—let us prepare ourselves for receiving the Torah anew with joy (b’simcha) and internalization (b’pnimius). May we truly experience happiness in Torah learning and make it an integral part of our lives!