It is nice to have a fancy title of authority. It is flattering to have a communal dinner or breakfast assigned in one’s honor. However, when it comes to being a leader among the Jewish people, one has to take charge and lead by proper moral example. That is one of the lessons we learn in this week’s parsha.
The Jewish people had just experienced a devastating plague in which 24,000 people died. This tragic event was due to the Midianite women enticing the Jewish men into committing sexual indiscretions and worshiping the false god of Baal Peor—the god of “anything goes.” In response, Moshe sent the Jewish army to avenge this affront. Although the soldiers properly punished the Midianite men, they inexplicably captured the same Midianite women who had caused them to sin in the first place. These women were brought back as trophies of the war. Moshe understandably responds by becoming very upset. However, he does not simply blame the rank-and-file soldiers. Instead, he holds their leaders responsible.
The verse tells us (31:14) that Moshe was angry with “the leaders of the army.” He was peeved. He figuratively had smoke coming out of his ears. Rashi explains that Moshe was teaching us that when the leaders of the Jewish community have the power to reproach the Jewish people for moral errors and fail to do so, they are held responsible themselves. They should have learned their lesson in the incident with Pinchas, where the communal leaders stood by while a prominent Jewish leader was allowed to engage in sexual indiscretions and they looked the other way. There too, Hashem tells Moshe, “Take all the leaders of the people and hang them,” (25:4). The responsibility of the Jewish leaders is to make certain that proper moral behavior takes place by their followers.
The Chofetz Chaim once illustrated this point with a poignant story: A passenger hired a coach and asked the driver to take him home. The driver fell asleep and the reins fell out of his hands. Sensing that the driver no longer controlled them, the horses galloped off to an inviting patch of grass. The resulting jerk in the coach alarmed the passenger who got out to admonish the driver. “Idiot!” cried the passenger. “I could have broken my bones.” The driver protested back and said, “Why are you blaming me? It wasn’t my fault. I trusted the horses to do the right thing. If you want to blame anyone, blame the horses.” The passenger replied, “You fool! It was your job to maintain control at all times. If you didn’t, then it is your fault.”
Taking on the mantle of authority by becoming a leader among the Jewish people is not something to be taken lightly. It is not simply a game where you get to be called a prince, president or an officer. The Torah teaches us that those individuals who hold the reins of leadership accept responsibility to maintain clear moral standards. Failure to do so has its consequences.
Jewish history is replete with examples highlighting the responsibilities of leadership. Consider the story of King David and Bathsheba. King David—one of the greatest leaders in Jewish history—made a grave mistake by taking Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, for himself. This action led to severe consequences for David and his household. Despite his greatness, David was held accountable by the prophet Nathan, who confronted him with a parable about a rich man who took a poor man’s only lamb. David’s immediate repentance and recognition of his sin reflected the high moral standards expected of Jewish leaders.
Another instructive story is that of Rabbi Akiva. Initially a shepherd, Rabbi Akiva eventually became one of the most esteemed sages in Jewish history. His leadership and dedication to Torah study and teaching were unparalleled. However, he too, faced challenges and bore the weight of responsibility. During the Bar Kochba revolt, Rabbi Akiva supported Bar Kochba as the Messiah, a decision that ultimately led to great tragedy when the revolt failed. This episode underscores the immense responsibility and potential repercussions that come with leadership.
In more recent times, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, exemplified the ideal of Jewish leadership. He tirelessly worked to inspire, guide and uplift Jews worldwide, emphasizing the importance of living a life of Torah and mitzvot. His leadership was characterized by a profound sense of responsibility for every Jew—regardless of their level of observance or geographic location.
We all have opportunities to be in positions of leadership. It is not always in formal settings such as the army, a synagogue or a major Jewish organization. Some of us lead our families as fathers and husbands. Others may lead teams in work settings. Still others might coach little league teams or be counselors in camp. When it comes to leading others, we are reminded to set a good example ourselves and ensure that the highest moral standards are always maintained by those who follow us. May Hashem guide our steps accordingly.
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is the coordinator of Bikur Cholim/Chesed at Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
