Leadership in Transition

Pinchas

Numbers 25:10 - 30:1

Précis: This parasha begins with a reward for Pinchas’ zealotry in slaying the offending adulterers at the conclusion of the previous parasha. His reward is the hereditary High Priesthood for his family. The parasha continues with a second census conducted by Moses, with war being declared against Midian. The laws of inheritance are amended to provide, at least in certain cases, for daughters to inherit their fathers’ estates. Joshua is appointed the successor to Moses as leader of the People. The parasha then shifts to details of daily sacrifices, offerings for the new moon, and Festivals.

27:15 -16 “And Moses spoke to Adonai saying, ‘Let Adonai, God of the spirit of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who will go in front of them and who will bring them out and who will bring them in, so that Adonai’s congregation won’t be like sheep without a shepherd.…’”

The text displays Moses’ role in finding his successor to be named once he (Moses) finally comes to terms with the fact that he will not personally lead the people into the Promised Land. His transfer of authority to Joshua, including his laying of his hands on Joshua, seems to be generous and gracious, which is particularly striking since we know that Moses is bitterly disappointed. The Sages help us understand Moses’ actions.

            A midrash relates that Moses enters the Tent of Meeting one last time to negotiate with God, knowing that Abraham has successfully negotiated with God over the destruction of Sodom. Moses opens with a suggestion that Joshua should in fact take over the leadership, but that Moses will remain around as a sort of senior counsel. The midrash continues that God seems willing, and then calls Joshua into the Tent (as Moses departs and waits outside). When Joshua comes out, Moses asks what God had told him. Joshua responds that on previous occasions when Moses had gone into the Tent, Moses would not tell Joshua what the conversation inside with God had been about. Now the roles are reversed, and Joshua will not speak to Moses about his conversation with God. The midrash concludes with Moses saying, “Better that I should die than I should live and envy Joshua.”

            Here is a key lesson in leadership: transition is inevitable, and it is up to the departing leader (executive director, rabbi, or president) to do so graciously and helpfully.