Moses’ Guide to Effective Leadership

July 30, 2024
The Hexagon Pool in the Golan Heights (Shutterstock.com)
The Hexagon Pool in the Golan Heights (Shutterstock.com)

The world is facing an undeniable leadership crisis. The need for strong, ethical, and effective leaders has never been more critical. But what defines a good leader? Is it charisma, decisiveness, or perhaps the ability to inspire? While these qualities are important, an ancient narrative from the Torah offers timeless insights into the essence of true leadership.

In the Torah portion of Pinchas (Numbers 25:10–30:1), we encounter a profound example of leadership through the actions of Moses. God instructs Moses to count the children of Israel to determine how the land should be divided among them (Numbers 26:53). Immediately following this, the daughters of Zelophehad present their case to inherit their father’s portion of the land. This sequence culminates with a pivotal moment where Moses is told that he himself will not be allowed to enter the land and, instead, to ascend Mount Abarim to view the land given to the Israelites. Here, Moses’ response is nothing short of remarkable. Instead of succumbing to anger, jealousy, or self-pity over his own unfulfilled dream, he immediately turns his focus to the welfare of his people, asking God to appoint a suitable leader for them.

Moses’ immediate concern is for the future of the nation, not his personal disappointment. This selflessness is a cornerstone of true leadership. His plea to God reveals his unwavering dedication to his people, asking for an effective replacement even as he is being told that he will not be leading the people into the land. But why does Moses refer to God as the “God of the spirits of all flesh”?

The biblical commentator Rashi provides a profound explanation. According to sages, Moses addresses God this way to acknowledge that He understands the unique nature and character of every individual. Moses is essentially saying, “Master of the universe, the character of each person is revealed to You, and You know that no two are alike. Appoint over them a leader who will tolerate each person according to his individual character.”

Moses’ request underscores two critical lessons in leadership. The first is the need to put the people first. A good leader prioritizes the needs of the people above their own. Moses’ foremost concern was not his legacy or personal fulfillment but the continued well-being and guidance of his people. In today’s context, this translates to leaders who make decisions based on the collective good, even at the expense of their own interests. Whether in politics, business, or community organizations, leaders who embody this principle are those who inspire trust and loyalty.

The second thing we learn about being a good leader is to understand the personal needs of each individual. Moses sought a leader who could relate to and understand the unique characteristics of each person. This lesson is particularly relevant today, where effective leadership requires a nuanced approach to managing diverse groups and communities. A leader must possess empathy and the ability to connect with individuals on a personal level, recognizing and valuing their distinct perspectives and contributions.

    In response to Moses’ plea, God instructs him to appoint Joshua, describing him as “a man of spirit” (Numbers 27:18). Joshua is chosen precisely because he possesses the qualities Moses requested—someone who can understand and deal with the varied characters within the community.

    Joshua’s appointment serves as a divine endorsement of the principles Moses highlighted. A leader, therefore, must be adaptable and sensitive to the different temperaments and needs of their followers. This ability to balance empathy with decisiveness is what differentiates great leaders from merely competent ones.

    The Torah portion of Pinchas provides profound insights into the essence of true leadership. Moses’ actions and requests highlight the importance of selflessness and the ability to understand and accommodate individual differences. These lessons are timeless and universally applicable, offering a blueprint for leaders striving to navigate the complexities of today’s world. By prioritizing the needs of the people and embracing the diverse nature of those they lead, modern leaders can rise to meet the challenges of our times, much like Moses and Joshua did in theirs.

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    Shira Schechter

    Shira Schechter is the content editor for TheIsraelBible.com and Israel365 Publications. She earned master’s degrees in both Jewish Education and Bible from Yeshiva University. She taught the Hebrew Bible at a high school in New Jersey for eight years before making Aliyah with her family in 2013. Shira joined the Israel365 staff shortly after moving to Israel and contributed significantly to the development and publication of The Israel Bible.

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