Every Person is a Diamond
Pictured: The Rebbe is seen giving coins to young children to distribute to charity
A recent survey among millennials uncovered troubling trends: eight out of ten young adults believe they are not “good enough” in various areas of their lives. Nearly three-quarters reported feeling overwhelmed by constant pressure to excel in their careers, build meaningful relationships, and meet the expectations of others.
While many pointed to external influences such as social media, family, and peer comparisons, a significant number admitted that the harshest pressure came from within. In a generation blessed with unprecedented opportunity, why do so many still feel inadequate and unfulfilled?
Perhaps the answer lies not in chasing validation through achievement, but in cultivating a deeper, internal sense of self-worth. Instead of focusing solely on what we do, we must reconnect with who we are.
The phrase E Pluribus Unum—“Out of many, one”—found on every U.S. dollar bill, echoes a timeless Jewish truth: that unity begins with appreciating the value of every individual. Each of us has a unique purpose and inherent worth. Only by recognizing our own value can we truly connect with others and make meaningful contributions to the world.
This idea was lived and taught by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. Beginning in 1986, the Rebbe initiated a weekly “Sunday Dollars” custom, where he stood for hours greeting thousands of individuals from all walks of life, giving each a dollar bill to pass on to charity. His explanation was simple yet profound: “When two people meet, something good should result for a third.” The Rebbe wished to elevate each of the thousands of encounters of the day to something more than a meeting of two individuals; he wanted that each should involve the performance of a mitzvah, particularly a mitzvah that also benefits another individual.
Despite his advanced age, the Rebbe remained standing for hours on end, giving personal attention to each visitor. One elderly woman once asked, “Rebbe, how do you not tire?” He replied, “Every soul is a diamond. Can one grow tired of counting diamonds?”
By comparing a soul to a diamond—strong, beautiful, and valuable—the Rebbe emphasized that every person, regardless of outward appearance or achievement, carries a divine spark that remains whole and unbreakable. But like a diamond, it must be uncovered, polished, and brought to light. This is the sacred mission each of us carries.
This week's Torah portion, Bamidbar, describes G-d's instruction to Moses to conduct a census of the Jewish people. While G-d, the Creator of all, obviously knows each person, the commentator Rashi explains that “because they are dear to Him, He counts them often.” Counting is an expression of value—each person mattered, and each one counted equally.
The census teaches a fundamental truth: each one of us has innate value by virtue of our soul, and each is equally beloved by G-d. Moses and the simplest Jew were both counted as "one." When we internalize this message, we begin to appreciate the immeasurable worth of every individual.
In the 1980s, Chaim Groisman, living in Curaçao, reached out to the Rebbe after his son experienced anti-Semitism at school. In a heartfelt letter, he thanked the Rebbe for helping “a small Jew in a remote place.” The Rebbe's response: “There is no such thing as a small Jew.” Each person contains a neshama, a divine soul, and carries boundless potential. (See here for more on this story)
As we prepare for the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, beginning on the eve of June 1 through June 3, we commemorate and relive the moment over 3,000 years ago when we stood together at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah. On this day, we became a holy and united nation, each individually chosen and entrusted with a sacred mission: to infuse the physical world with spirituality, elevate our daily lives, and create a dwelling place for G-d through the study of Torah and the observance of mitzvot.
It's no coincidence that Bamidbar—which emphasizes each individual's value—is always read before Shavuot. It reminds us that the revelation at Sinai was not for an elite few, but for every soul. The Torah was given to each of us. Together, we stood “like one person with one heart.”
We must educate ourselves, our families, and our communities to see every person as a soul with infinite potential. By doing so, we begin to heal the root causes of modern insecurity, loneliness and disconnection. We reclaim our sense of purpose—not from achievement or comparison, but from our divine essence.
As Maimonides teaches, we should view the world as being held in perfect balance. One mitzvah, has the power to tip the scales—for ourselves and the world—to the side of merit and bring salvation to all.
This Shavuot, let us stand together again—not just in memory of Sinai, but in its spirit. Let us celebrate our unity, cherish our worth, and renew our mission. And may our collective efforts prepare the world for the coming of Moshiach, when peace and divine purpose will illuminate all humanity.
