In Parshat Bamidbar, the Torah concludes with a detailed census of the family of Kehat, the most prominent of the Levitical families. They were entrusted with transporting the holiest items of the Mishkan, including the Aron Kodesh—the Ark of the Covenant. Their role was imbued with spiritual prestige, an honor that seemed to place them in a category of their own.

Yet as Parshat Naso opens, Hashem turns to Moshe and instructs him: “Naso et rosh Bnei Gershon gam heim”——Take a count of the sons of Gershon as well” (Bamidbar 4:22). Rashi, quoting the Sifrei, emphasizes the words “gam heim”—“they too”—to suggest a deliberate inclusion. Although Gershon’s family was tasked with carrying the curtains, coverings and less sacred items of the Mishkan, Hashem insists: They also matter.

This phrase, seemingly minor, carries a profound message. Every member of the community contributes in their own way, and all service, whether public and glorious or private and humble, is valued by God. The Torah doesn’t just inform us of Gershon’s duties; it honors them.

Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l teaches that the emphasis on “gam heim” shows us that even those involved in seemingly mundane work—those who “shlep” behind the scenes—must not feel that their service is of lesser worth. In God’s accounting, it is not prominence that determines significance, but purpose and devotion.

This is a foundational idea in Torah thought. The Mishna in Pirkei Avot (2:1) teaches: “Be as careful with a minor mitzvah as with a major one, for you do not know the reward of the mitzvot.” Human beings may rank actions, but in Hashem’s eyes, everything done with sincerity and kavana (intention) has value.

The Talmud in Berachot 17a brings a beautiful prayer recited by Rav Alexandria at the end of his davening: “Master of the Universe, it is revealed and known before You that our will is to do Your will—but what prevents us? The yeast in the dough (our human inclinations) and the subjugation by the nations.” This prayer highlights how even our desires and efforts are cherished by God, even when our abilities are limited.

The lesson is clear: Never underestimate your impact. Whether one gives a large donation or a small one, whether one teaches Torah or supports others who do, all sincere contributions are cherished. As the Talmud states in Kiddushin 40a, “One who performs a mitzvah is granted reward.” The text doesn’t specify the size or scale—only that a mitzvah was done.

A well-known story is told about Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, founder of the famed Volozhin Yeshiva. A wealthy patron once expressed concern that he lacked the depth of Torah knowledge that the yeshiva’s scholars possessed. Rabbi Chaim reassured him by explaining that just as the Mishkan required both the wisdom of Bezalel and the generosity of the people, so too the world of Torah relies on both learners and supporters. Each is vital, each irreplaceable.

This echoes a broader truth within Jewish communal life: Synagogues, schools, and chesed organizations don’t run on rabbis and teachers alone. The people who set up chairs, sponsor kiddush, run fundraisers, or simply greet others with warmth and kindness—they are the living expression of “gam heim.”Furthermore, the Torah uses the phrase “la’avod u’lemasa—to serve and to carry” (Bamidbar 4:24)—to describe the work of the Gershonites. This combination of spiritual service and physical labor reminds us that avodah (service to God) takes many forms. What matters most is the heart behind the action.

The Netziv (Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin) wrote in his introduction to Ha’amek Davar that unity among the Jewish people arises not from uniformity but from each person contributing according to their unique strengths. It is the harmony of diverse roles that creates a functioning, sanctified whole.

As we reflect on the message of Parshat Naso, we are reminded that no effort is too small, no role too hidden, and no contribution unappreciated. The Levite families were not ranked by prestige, but united in purpose. And so it is with us: We are all pulling together.

May Hashem bless us to embrace our part in the collective service of Am Yisrael—whether up front or behind the scenes—and may we all be counted among those who serve Him with joy.

Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and is a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He serves as the President of Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at Psychologist@Juno.Com.