Each of us is charged with a special mission in this world, and each one of us has unique value with

The parsha begins, ואלה שמות (and these are the names) and proceeds to list the children of Yaakov. Rashi poses the question, "Why was it necessary to enumerate them here, since the Torah already did so at the end of Sefer Breishis?" He answers that Hashem counted them again להודיע חבתן (to demonstrate His great love for them) similar to how Hashem counts the stars.

A name denotes one's individual essence and purpose, as we see יומא פג: ר' מאיר דייק בשמא (that R' Meir would analyze names to understand the nature of people). As such, perhaps the message of the Torah here is that every person's individual purpose and mission in life is so precious to Hashem that He enumerates and counts them twice similar to how one treats precious jewels and stones.

What are our ambitions? What goals do we set for ourselves? Are we truly realizing the great potential Hashem has vested within each of us?

Each of us is charged with a special mission in this world, and each one of us has unique value with which we can benefit ourselves, our communities and our nation. This is ourtrue individuality - our name which is so indescribably precious to Hashem.

Immediately prior to Moshe being selected as the leader of Klal Yisroel and being assigned the awesome mission of saving Klal Yisroel from the slavery of Mitzrayim, the Torah relates how Moshe came across a burning bush and his reaction to it. אסורא נא ואראה (I will turn away and see), Moshe exclaims, אסורא מכאן להתקרב שם (I will turn from here to become closer to there!) - Rashi. To succeed in one's mission, requires the courage to turn away from the level one is currently on and be willing to embrace the challenges of higher levels! It would seem from Rashi that the very act of turning oneself away raises one higher in his quest, as the word להתקרב means to become closer, implying one need not actively bring themselves closer rather the closeness is a natural effect of having turned away.

Turning away is not easy. Our lives possess such inertia and changing course is an incredible challenge. Every member of the gentile nations heard of the terrifying miracles that were performed for Klal Yisroel during their exodus from Mitzrayim, yet only Yisro had the inner strength to committ his life to a new path.

Nevertheless, if we wish to grow then we must develop this strength within us! One step at a time each one of us can slowly turn around our lives and begin to take control to become what we truly want to be and CAN be!

Witnessing the Beis Medrash filled with so many faces, who, like Moshe, have made the courageous decision, on one level or another, to turn themselves away from the temptations of the outside world and embrace the wonderful closeness of Torah is truly awe inspiring. May Hashem continue to give us all the strength to continue to grow and develop our individuall names that are so precious to Hashem!