In this week's parsha, the Torah tells us how Yaakov sent a message to Esav, hoping to stave off an impending conflict. In his message, he tells Esav "I have acquired 'shor' and 'chamor'", using the singular loshon for "ox" and "donkey". Rashi explains that it is "derech eretz" to refer to many units of livestock in the singular form. But to refer to it as "derech eretz" implies that it is actually somehow more befitting than using the plural form. What is so special about using the singular form?
R' Moshe Feinstein answers that it is because it is important not to be proud of one's fortune as a whole, but rather to appreciate each individual unit. Each animal in one's possesion is a reason to be thankful to Hashem for the goodness He has bestowed upon him; all the more so when one has an entire herd. And that is why Yaakov used the singular form of "shor" and "chamor" - to show that he appreciated each and every possesion as an individual bracha from Hashem.
We can learn from here an important lesson about the significance of each individual. There is no "herd mentality" in Klal Yisroel; not only is every possesion a unique blessing, but every individual is important in his own right as well. Klal Yisroel is the flock of Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and each and every one of us receives the same loving care and devotion from Him as if we were the only one.
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