In the Torah, God commanded Moses and Aaron to conduct a census of the Jewish people. The rabbis say that the purpose of the census in the Torah was to ensure that every member of the community was counted as an individual, not just as a member of a tribe.
I was born in 1924. My husband and I raised five children who produced my 14 grandchildren, who in turn produced my 12 great-grandchildren. As I start my second century and try to understand my place and purpose, I am struck by the profound message of requiring a census, a process that entails taking account of each individual person.
This notion speaks to the uniqueness and individuality of each human being. In my younger years, I was very busy: busy having children, busy raising children, busy driving five kids to music lessons, Hebrew school, birthday parties, sports activities… busy, busy, busy. Then my kids grew up, and I was busy helping my kids with their kids and busy taking care of my aging parents. Busy, busy, busy. Now, my parents and my beloved husband are gone, my children and grandchildren are all grown. Now, I am not so busy. Longevity can be an extraordinary blessing. Now I have time. I have time to reflect on my life, my family, my friends, and indeed on the meaning of my life.
As I do my 100th-year census, I find contentment in knowing that I see the uniqueness of the people in my life. It takes time to truly know your children and those you love; it takes time to understand who they are and what makes them tick.
I believe that is the essence of what it means to take a census and explains why God commanded that a census be taken. At 100, I am content that I have the time to count my many blessings, one by one!
Charlotte Kemenir is a 100-year-old community organizer.
For Every Jewel There is a Question:
When you turn 100, what do you want to see on your life’s scoreboard?
One Response
I want to look around and find that I made a difference. That I am surrounded by people who are happy to spend time with me. I want to know I helped people to grow and appreciate their lives and know they have made a mark on my life too.