Rabbi Aryeh Levin (1885–1969), a great sage of Jerusalem known for his compassion to all, once stood outside the school where he served as spiritual advisor with his son, Rabbi Chaim Levin, watching children play during recess. Observing the scene, Rabbi Levin turned to his son and asked, “What do you observe about the children playing?”
Rabbi Chaim responded with surface-level observations. He pointed out that one boy, Dovid, stood alone near the door with his hands in his pockets, likely because he wasn’t athletic. Another boy, Moishie, played wildly, seeming undisciplined, while Yankel stood back, staring at the clouds, apparently left out of the game.
Rabbi Levin looked at his son and gently corrected him. “No, my son. To be a teacher, you must look deeper. Dovid stands alone because he has no sweater; his family cannot afford winter clothing. Moishie is wild because he was scolded by his teacher and feels frustrated. And Yankel stares at the clouds because his mother is ill, and he carries the weight of helping his family.”
Rabbi Levin taught his son that to truly lead and guide others, one must see past the surface and respond with compassion to each individual’s unique needs. This story captures a fundamental quality shared by many of the greatest biblical leaders: empathy. In fact, it is for this reason that so many biblical leaders began their journeys as shepherds.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David—the revered patriarchs and leaders of the Bible—were all shepherds. Shepherding is a simple, humble profession, often looked down upon in other cultures. So why did God choose shepherds as leaders for His people?
Shepherding requires qualities essential for any true leader: patience, humility, and, above all, empathy. A good shepherd cares deeply for his flock, guiding and protecting each sheep, understanding its needs, and responding with compassion. This quality of empathy, as Rabbi Levin showed his son, is essential for any meaningful position of leadership.
The sages tell a beautiful story about Moses that highlights the shepherd’s heart needed for true leadership. One day, while Moses was tending his flock, he noticed a young sheep that had wandered off. Moses followed the lamb until he found it at a stream, drinking water. Realizing the lamb had fled out of thirst, Moses said gently, “I didn’t know you ran away because you were thirsty. You must be tired as well.” He then lifted the lamb onto his shoulders and carried it back to the flock.
God saw Moses’ compassion and said, “Moses, because you have shown such care for each sheep, you are worthy to lead My people, Israel.” Moses was chosen as a leader not for his strength or intellect, but for his empathy and kindness. His ability to see and respond to the needs of even the smallest, most vulnerable member of his flock reflected the qualities God desired in a shepherd of His people.
Just as Rabbi Levin’s story shows the importance of empathy in teaching, Moses’ story reveals why empathy is at the heart of all true leadership. Leaders must understand and respond to the individual needs of those they serve. The shepherd learns to see each sheep not just as part of a flock, but as a unique being with its own needs and challenges. This habit of care extends naturally to the shepherd’s leadership of people.
Beyond empathy, shepherding also offers unique spiritual benefits. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch reflects on the contrasting professions of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:2:
Rabbi Hirsch explains that Cain, as a farmer, became “a slave to his field… Once he has placed the yoke of pursuit of acquisition upon his neck, his spirit also becomes subservient.” In contrast, the shepherd’s life is “most elevated” because it revolves around caring for living creatures. His work draws him close to life in its purest form, fostering a connection to nature and a deep awareness of the Divine. The shepherd’s possessions are simple and portable, so he is not bound by material wealth. This frees the shepherd from over-reliance on worldly success, allowing him to focus on higher, godly pursuits. Experiencing the natural world as an expression of God’s creation brings him closer to understanding his dependence on the Divine.
In the solitude of the fields, away from the distractions of wealth and status, shepherds like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David found time to contemplate God’s role in their lives and in the world around them. This solitude and simplicity allowed them to cultivate a profound sense of faith and reliance on God, qualities they carried into their leadership roles.
In contrast to many other ancient cultures, which prized warriors and the wealthy, the Bible places shepherds at the forefront. The Torah teaches that true leadership is not about power or prestige; it is about humility, empathy, devotion to others, and devotion to God. God chose shepherds as leaders because their lives fostered these essential qualities. They learned to care for those in need, to rely on God, and to appreciate the world as a creation of the Divine.
This profound connection between shepherding and leadership is beautifully captured in the artwork by Inbal Rose, Shepherd With His Flock. The image depicts a shepherd leading his flock through fields of vibrant colors beneath a vast, open sky. The scene is suffused with the peace and beauty of nature, reflecting the spiritual life of a shepherd who walks closely with God. The shepherd’s simple journey through the open landscape, under the expansive sky, symbolizes the freedom from material distractions that characterizes his life. Here, surrounded by God’s creation, he is reminded daily of God’s presence and protection, and he learns to see his role as a humble guide and protector.
In Rose’s piece, the shepherd is not a figure of power or authority but a gentle leader, attuned to the needs of each member of his flock. His journey reflects both the simplicity and sanctity of the shepherd’s calling, embodying the care, attentiveness, and humility that define his role.
In a world that often equates leadership with power and status, Rose’s artwork reminds us of the timeless values embodied in the lives of these biblical leaders: compassion, humility, and faith. The shepherd’s path is not glamorous, but it is filled with purpose, connection, and a profound sense of service. Through the lives of these shepherd-leaders, the Bible teaches that the greatest leaders are those who lead with a shepherd’s heart—a heart that sees beyond the surface, responds with empathy, and relies on God’s guidance to care for His people.
Visit the Israel365 store to explore and purchase Inbal Rose’s full collection of artwork. Each piece reflects themes of faith, nature, and spirituality, bringing biblical inspiration to life with vibrant colors and profound depth. Add a touch of Rose’s inspiring vision to your space by visiting the Israel365 store today.
