By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
SAN DIEGO — If leadership is as difficult and challenging as Moshe so eloquently recounts in his “farewell address,” looking back over the past 40 years as he does in Devarim, why would anyone ever want or accept a position of leadership?
When you think back over your past 40 years wandering through life, what do you recall and tell to others?
Moshe recounts appointing Judges and magistrates, wandering through the desert, the story of the spies rebuffing the Promised Land, wars fought and his encouraging words to Joshua, his successor.
Leadership isn’t easy. We learn from Moshe that leaders do not harm their constituents, that leaders share their leadership, and they have a number of key attributes necessary for leadership, primarily the ability to correct and bless their people.
Leaders with vision want to create a new future while followers question everything often with loud and personal attacks. Indeed, Hashem said: “My children are obstinate, bad-tempered, and troublesome. In assuming leadership over them, you must expect that they will curse you and even stone you” (Sh’mot Rabbah 7:3 on Va-eira).
Moshe offered a solution. He sought out those who were genuinely righteous, wise, discerning, experienced, and perceptive to help him bear the responsibility of the people.
Moshe, like most good parents, wants to be sure that his “children” have the tools to be successful when they are off on their own. Thus he recounts the mistakes the previous generation made, to insure they can learn about responsibilities they are likely to face in life. He has fear that they will become egotistical and holier-than-thou. In the portion we will read next week, Va-et’chanan, we see that Moshe instructs the people to observe God’s words, “. . . for that will be proof of your wisdom and discernment to other peoples . . .” (Deuteronomy 4:6).
He instructs them to tell their children and their grandchildren where they have come from and what God expects of them.
Like a parent who has hopes and dreams for his/her children, fears that make many wonder if they’ve done all they can do before they release their offspring into this harsh world, Moshe looks back and teaches us, “Do not fear them, for it is the Eternal your God who will battle for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22). Moshe is telling us that faith and education, Jewish education, the kind we are fortunate to have in San Diego across all streams, are the keys, provided by those who are anchored to Torah.
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Dr. Mantell writes a d’var Torah each week for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members.