What makes a true leader? Often, we search for charisma, intelligence, or strategic thinking. But sometimes, the deepest qualities of leadership reveal themselves in the quietest moments, long before power and authority enter the picture. The biblical narrative of Moses presents us with three distinct encounters that reveal both his essential leadership qualities and the purity of his motivations.
Rabbi Ezra Bick identifies three crucial leadership qualities demonstrated in these episodes.
The first scene shows Moses witnessing an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. The text specifically mentions that the victim was “from his brothers,” and without hesitation, Moses intervenes to defend him. This demonstrates the first crucial quality: national identification and brotherhood. Despite being raised in Pharaoh’s palace, Moses maintained a deep connection to his people.
The second incident reveals another dimension of leadership when Moses encounters two Hebrew men fighting.
Here, Rabbi Bick points out a subtle but significant detail: when addressing the aggressor, Moses uses the term “your fellow” rather than “brother.” This linguistic choice reveals the second quality: an unwavering commitment to justice that transcends tribal bonds. A true leader must be capable of maintaining moral clarity even when confronting their own people.
The third episode occurs at a well in Midian, where Moses defends the daughters of a local priest from harassing shepherds.
Rabbi Bick notes that in this instance, Moses simply acts ā there is no rebuke, no punishment, just pure heroic intervention. This reveals the third essential quality: the capacity to be a savior, to act decisively and courageously when circumstances demand it.
Yet these same three incidents, as Nechama Leibowitz powerfully demonstrates, reveal something even more fundamental about Moses as a leader. She sees these episodes as a progression that systematically eliminates any possible ulterior motives behind Moses’s actions. In the first incident, one might argue that Moses acted out of tribal loyalty to his fellow Hebrew. In the second, perhaps he was motivated by concern for his nation’s unity and reputation. But by the third incident, where Moses helps complete strangers with no connection to his people, we see his pure commitment to justice shine through. This progression proves that Moses was someone who would consistently act and make decisions based purely on what was right, regardless of personal, tribal, or political considerations.
This quality of pure motivation was not merely about setting a good example ā it was fundamental to his capacity as a leader. It meant that his judgment could be trusted to be fair and unbiased, that he would make decisions based on justice rather than political expediency, and that he would champion what was right even when there was no personal benefit. Such purity of motivation was essential for someone who would not only lead his people out of Egypt but would also create a just society and serve as God’s representative in giving the law.
Together, these insights paint a picture of complete leadership. The qualities Rabbi Bick identifies ā national identification, commitment to justice, and capacity for heroic action ā provided Moses with the essential skills of leadership. Meanwhile, the pure motivation that Leibowitz uncovers ensured that these powerful qualities would always be directed toward justice and truth. Each of these aspects would prove crucial: his sense of brotherhood would help him maintain a connection with the people through difficult times, his commitment to justice would guide his leadership and judgment, and his capacity for decisive action would serve him well in moments requiring courage. All of these would be anchored in his fundamental commitment to doing what was right, regardless of personal or political considerations.
The lesson for modern leaders is profound: true leadership requires both essential qualities and pure motivations. The three qualities identified by Rabbi Bick provide the skills necessary for effective leadership, while the purity of motivation emphasized by Nechama Leibowitz ensures that these skills serve the cause of justice rather than personal or group interests. Together, these characteristics create the foundation for authentic leadership that can be truly trusted to serve the greater good.
Join Israel365 Action in building a stronger Israel. Stand with us as we champion a bold new vision for Israel, support communities in Judea and Samaria, and partner with Israel’s true allies worldwide. Join the movement today!