BackLeadership on the Merits
By: Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger
All of us face different challenges. Some are born with challenges, while others encounter them anew over the course of life, but we each face stumbling blocks along the way. The greatest figure in all of Jewish history, Moses, was no different. He too had to face what may be the greatest challenge a leader has to face: the inability to speak clearly in public. After all, Moses had a speech impediment. The Torah itself records it.
When Moses raises this disability with G-d after having been charged with historic leadership, G-d reassures Moses that his older brother Aaron will serve as his mouthpiece. G-d is willing to make an accommodation, but not to absolve Moses of his own responsibility to follow through on his talent for leadership. Moses will ultimately liberate a nation from slavery.
The Torah is teaching here that even the most seemingly serious of hindrances at first glance is no excuse to step away from one’s role. There is always a way, and our primary obligation is to fulfill the purpose for which each of us are born. G-d will be our partner in helping us to overcome any challenge, so long as we are ready to stand up and do our part.