בס"ד
When Moshe Rabbeinu is discussing his own replacement with Hashem, he
describes the job requirements.
[במדבר כז:יז]"אשר יצא לפניהם ואשר יבא לפניהם ואשר יוציאם ואשר יביאם"
"(A man) who will go out before them, and come in before them, who
will lead them out and lead them in …"[Bamidbar 27:17]
The redundancy is striking. If he will lead the people, whether out to
battle or into the promised land – isn't it a given that he, himself, will go out
or in ? Why the emphasis ?
But the answer is exactly that, and it serves as a reminder for both us
simple folks and our holy Jewish leaders themselves. There is nothing that a
gadol b'yisrael would reqire of others that he is not willing / able to do
himself. First, a Jewish leader should go out or come in – before the people
– in full view of the people (and sadly, of their criticism, too). Only
afterwards is he fit to lead them anywhere.
Going out and coming in are also two opposite actions. A true Jewish
leader knows when to employ either activity – there is no "one hit
wonder". And there is no such thing as a single minded approach.
Sometimes, Hashem requires our leaders to know how to pull in both directions
(simultaneously, even !!).
These two lessons are great to take to heart – not just to bolster our
faith and appreciation for our holy and multifaceted chachamim, but primarily
to keep in mind. At some point and in some fashion, we are all Jewish leaders.
We must be willing to first put ourselves out and only afterwards lead others.
We must also have a sense of balance and duality. To quote Willie Nelson :
"Know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em"
Hatzlacha !!
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