What makes a great leader? Shemot 5785

The Torah, Jewish history and tradition all show us that Heaven often chooses unusual people for roles that are essential and pivotal in Jewish leadership. King David is a clear example of this historical phenomenon. But I think that we can agree that the choice of Moshe as the redeemer and eternal teacher of the Jewish people, if not of all civilization, is at first blush a strange one. 

Moshe became separated from the Jewish people for decades. He had faced the death penalty under Egyptian law for striking an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating a Jewish slave;  so he escaped and became a shepherd in Midian, far removed from his brethren suffering in Egyptian bondage.  And, when presented by Heaven with the offer of Jewish leadership, he declined it forcefully. But the will of Heaven prevailed, as is always the case.   

Moshe must now embark on his new leadership role, albeit seemingly reluctantly.  He himself wonders why he is chosen when, logically, his brother Aaron would seem to be a better fit for the mission. And perhaps just as amazing as the choice of Moshe for this position of leadership is the willingness of the Jewish people to accept him instantly as their leader. 

To most of the Jewish people he is a stranger, an outsider who has a speech impediment and is, at most, a Johnny-come-lately to their troubles and situation.  Yet again we see that it is the will of Heaven that prevails, and it is only through Moshe that the story of the Exodus from Egypt will unfold.   

Moshe, it transpires, has outstanding qualities and character traits that make him the greatest leader in Jewish and world history.  Foremost among these attributes is his humility. While all leaders must have an appreciation of their talents and their self-worth, oftentimes this becomes their undoing as their egos grow and they become arrogant.  Not so Moshe: even after forty years of leading his people, the Torah still describes Moshe as being the most humble of all human beings on the face of the earth. 

Though it is this trait that makes him the greatest of all past and future prophets, Moshe also has within himself an unquenchable love for his people.  His love for them is sorely tested many times during his career as their leader but, in spite of all of their backsliding, sins, rebellions and mutterings, it is Moshe’s love of the people that remains ever-present and steadfast. As King Solomon wrote:  "Love obliterates all transgressions.”  Finally, Moshe’s path to complete the mission that Heaven thrust upon him never wavers, no matter what the events and circumstances may be. 

These noble traits and characteristics are apparently what the Almighty searches for in assigning leaders to our people.  Moshe is the model for future Jewish leaders in all generations to come. 

Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Berel Wein