Jewish Leader’s Resume
A leader must have the capacity to deal with every individual on his or her level. A true leader must not only be concerned for the survival of the entire nation, but also with the petty needs of every individual. Indeed, for a genuine leader, an individual’s needs cannot be considered petty.
Doesn’t G-d Know?
When Moses was informed of the fact that he would not lead the Jewish nation into the Promised Land, this week’s parsha recounts how Moses requested of G-d to appoint his successor. The Torah records Moses’ request in the following manner:
“And Moses said to G-d, “Let the L-rd, G-d of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation…”
Rashi explains that the way Moses described G-d as the “G-d of the spirits of all flesh” was intended to specify the most important characteristic a Jewish leader must possess. A Jewish leader must be endowed with the G-dly spirit that enables him to relate to and tolerate the varied and unique personalities that each individual possesses.
Commentators ask why Moses had to specify the type of leader he wanted. Wouldn’t G-d know what characteristics a true leader must possess,,, Moses’ Plea to G-d: Anyone but Pinchas!
One answer notes that Moses’ request came at the heels of the incident that occurred with his great nephew, Pinchas. Pinchas, the Torah in last week’s Parsha recounts, was incensed at the way a Jewish leader, Zimri shamelessly consorted with a Midianite princess, which resulted in G-d causing the deaths of thousands of Jews. Pinchas then took a spear and without regard for his own safety, proceeded to kill both Zimri and his Midianite consort, Kozbi. Nobody else, besides Pinchas, was moved to action. Neither Moses, Pinchas’ father Elazar, or Joshua — Moses’ trusted disciple — reacted the way Pinchas did. As a result of this brazen action, Pinchas was harshly criticized by virtually everyone.
Virtually everyone was displeased, with the exception of G-d Himself. This week’s Parsha commences with G-d’s expression of approval for what he had done to avert the unleashing of G-d’s anger against the Jewish nation. The Amighty Himself testified that Pinchas’ motivation was holy and that his action, though extreme and rash, was justified and for which he was blessed with G-d’s eternal covenant.
After hearing the way G-d expressed enthusiastic approval for Pinchas’ brazen action,, Moses thought that G-d would appoint him as his successor. After all, Pinchas did possess the qualities of love, dedication, self-sacrifice for the Jewish nation, characteristics that are crucial for a leader.
Moses therefore pleaded to G-d to appoint someone else, because, notwithstanding Pinchas’’ unique qualities, he lacked another characteristic, without which one cannot be a leader of all the people. A leader must have the capacity to deal with every individual on his or her level. A true leader must not only be concerned for the survival of the entire nation, but also with the petty needs of every individual. Indeed, for a genuine leader, an individual’s needs cannot be considered petty.
Pinchas, despite his greatness, was a man for that particular hour. He came at the right time and did the right thing, considering the circumstances. But a leader must be able to lead at all times, for all people and for all circumstances Pinchas-Elijah and Moshiach Our Sages tell us that Pinchas became Elijah the prophet, who will herald the coming of Moshiach. If Elijah is so great, why do we need Moshiach? Why can’t Elijah accomplish everything that Moshiach is supposed to accomplish?
The answer is that Moshiach, or any great leader for that matter, is more than just a miracle worker, a great teacher or even a fearless tzadik who can stand up to tyrannical monarchs. Whereas Elijah is the man of the hour as he comes into this world at intervals to deal with special circumstances, including the announcement concerning Moshiach’s arrival, Moshiach will be Moses’ ultimate successor in leading the entire Jewish people and the rest of the world.
Among all the other great qualities, Moshiach is a leader who tolerates, appreciates and involves himself in the material and spiritual needs of every individual. It is thus Moshiach, not Elijah, who will become the future leader of the Jewish people.
From the book Light from the Future: Parshas Pinchas by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.
