BackReal Leadership
By: Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger
The greatness of the Torah is neither its chronology of ancient history nor its presentation of a systematic theology. Its humanity is what makes it the best-selling and most enduring book of all time. Indeed, the most effective leader of all time, Moses, is among the most openly vulnerable of men. He speaks brilliantly, he is unwavering and relentless in purpose, but also has his moments of frustration, both public and private.
In this week’s Shabbat Torah portion, the Children of Israel complain. They give voice to what communities often do when engaging in a new period of historic development: they look back at hard times and idealize them. The Torah relates that the Jewish people began to have, in the Torah’s own language, “cravings,” as they settled into a life of freedom after Moses led them out of Egypt. They recall the foods of Egypt, forgetting they may have received them as slaves without any personhood of their own.
I remember my grandfather once getting angry at some cousins who were visiting. They were reminiscing about the shtetl from which they emigrated. They remembered the foods, the atmosphere of a past of piety and rural life. My grandfather chimed in, “Don’t you remember how terrible it was? Life was not good. Food was hard to acquire. There was no opportunity. We were oppressed. Don’t make the past into a dream.”
Moses cries out unto the L-rd, asking why he bears the burden of leading this people. G-d tells him to seek counsel so that he does not feel alone. These moments make Moses real and show the full depth of his responsibility. That kind of forbearance and humanity are the features of authentic and lasting leadership.