Attributes of Leadership

Yitro

Ex. 18:1 - 20:23

Précis:  Following last week’s trip through the Red Sea, Moses is reunited with his father-in-law Jethro (“Yitro”) and with his family. Yitro acknowledges God, gives wise advice to Moses about delegating responsibility, and Moses appoints assistants (judges). The Israelites come to the foot of Mount Sinai where, in the ultimate transcendental experience, Revelation takes place as the “Ten Utterances” (Commandments) are spoken to the People by the very Voice of God.

Ex. 18:17-22 “…And Jethro said, ‘What you are doing is not right. You will surely wear yourself out, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.... You should seek out from among all the people men of valor who fear God, trustworthy men, men who spurn ill-gotten gains…as chiefs of thousands, hundred, fifties, tens and let them judge the people.... Have them bring every major dispute to you, but let them decide every minor dispute themselves. Make it easier for yourself, and let them share the burden with you.’”

Let’s examine the elements set forth by the very wise father-in-law of Moses regarding attributes of true leadership. (1) it should be drawn “from all the people” (“mikol ha’am”), and not limited to a particular class; (2) the leaders should be “people of valor” (“anshei chayil”), which the Sages suggest means they must avoid bribery; (3) they should be those who “fear God” (“y’rei Elohim”), meaning that they have a moral compass; (4) they also must be “men of truth” (“anshei emet”) who are not only honest, but have reputations for honesty; and (5) they need to be those who “spurn ill-gotten gain” (“v’sonei betza”) by rejecting graft and corruption.

Please, let us as a Jewish People in Israel and as Jews  in America use these criteria to examine our current and potential leadership in the 2020 election cycle. 

Liberation and hard work

B’shalach

Ex. 13:17-17:16

Précis: And when Pharaoh “had let them go” (b’shalach), the story of the Exodus from Egypt is almost concluded. Carrying with them the bones of Joseph and the “spoils of Egypt,” Moses leads the Israelites by way of the Red (or Reed) Sea. They cross the sea ahead of Pharaoh’s pursuing army, which subsequently drowns in the returning waters. Moses sings his triumphant Song of the Sea, and Miriam’s song of joy follows. The Israelites begin to murmur against Moses and Aaron because of a lack of food and water. God provides heavenly “manna” to eat and provides water as well. The Shabbat is introduced as a day of rest, even before it appears in the Ten Commandments. In their first battle led by Joshua, against Amalek, the Israelites are successful as long as Moses’ hands remain in the air, and with the help of Aaron and Hur (who support Moses’ arms), they prevail.

Ex. 13:17-19 “Now when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although it was nearer....so God led the people round-about, by way of the wilderness... for the People may have a change in heart”

Rabbi Ana Bonnheim gives us a new insight into these important verses (Reform Judaism.org, 2/6/17) by breaking down the introduction to the parasha in three parts:

            1. “Now when Pharaoh let the people go …”  While it is true that Pharaoh lets the people go, the text has made it clear that it is God’s action which results in the Exodus.

            2. “God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although it was nearer…” We see here that it is God who is responsible for the wanderings in the desert.

            3.“For God said, ‘The people may have a change of heart …’”  While God has engineered the Exodus, it is the People who will determine their own future.

            This parasha sets the stage for the complicated experience of the Jews in the Wilderness and with their ability to accept the burdens of freedom.

            Citing Michael Walzer, Princeton University professor, Bonnheim notes that theories of revolution fall into two camps: those who believe it to be a gift from God, and those who believe it must be earned by the oppressed. Our tradition indicates that freedom and revolution come from within. Liberation may be exulting and based on primal belief, but it presages hard work.

            In the United States this past week, we have seen a disregard for our own founding beliefs of the need to uphold oaths of office and the Constitution. The rank odor of a new revolution permeates our atmosphere. But like the Israelites recently released from bondage, we can achieve (or re-achieve) a Promised Land with hard work. It may take generations, but it will – with God’s help – be achieved.