The True Qualities of Leadership

January 11-12, 2013 / 1 Shevat 5773

Shabbat Va’eira v’Rosh Hodesh

Torah - Exodus 6:2-9:35 / Haftarah – Isaiah 66:1-24

“The True Qualities of Leadership”

Dear Friends,

In this week’s Torah portion we learn about the true qualities of leadership.  Moses, our people’s greatest leader, was not always so popular or well regarded. At first God appeared to Moses to tell him that God would deliver the Children of Israel from Egypt.  But Moses refused the call and tried to get out of it, saying that he had poor speech and that Pharaoh would not listen to him.  Furthermore, Moses knew that the Israelites, broken in spirit, would never pay any attention to him, either.  Perhaps this is the first test which proved that Moses was well qualified.  He was humble and not full of himself or his own importance.

As it turns out, neither Pharaoh nor the Children of Israel would listen to Moses.  Aaron, his brother, would serve as his spokesman.  But Moses would not give up.  He pushed through with focused determination and saw to it that his people would follow him to freedom.  Yet, for forty years in the desert, the people complained constantly about his strong and commanding leadership.  Nevertheless, he sacrificed so much and got the job done.

What we learn is that the qualifications for inspired leadership are not based in a popularity contest, charisma or a great campaign ad.  Leadership is not about likeability or having an edgy soundbite.  Rather, leadership is about the qualities not seen on the surface.  Those qualities are intellect, compassion, determination, vision and humility.  Leadership can only be seen by looking deeply into a person’s soul and heart.

Whether in politics, business, study, family or amongst friends, look carefully at our leaders.  See into their hearts to understand the quality they bring into the world.  Look into their hearts.  Furthermore, as leader ourselves, our Jewish tradition teaches us to lead with integrity, kindness, determination and love.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow