Machshavot HaLev - Yeshivat Lev HaTorah

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בלה תובשחמ
cared about them so much that he was able to suffer with them.
In my opinion though, the most important characteristic of a perfect leader is
his devotion and dedication. In Bamidbar, Bnei Yisrael complained to Moshe
about a consuming fire at the edge of the camp. As in the past, Moshe could’ve
given up and started over but the text says “va-yitpallel Moshe el Hashem”- Moses
prayed to Hashem (Bamidbar 11:2). A Gemara in Berachot (32a) explains that the
word “el” should be understood as “al”. “El” made sense so what’s the need for
a change? Rav Cytrin answered that “al” has a confrontational and challenging
connotation. It comes to teach us that Moshe was actually arguing with God. Rav
Cytrin further explained that the word is changed because Moshe is cementing
himself as a leader by standing up to Hashem to bat for Am Yisrael on the brink
of destruction.
In the aftermath of the Golden Calf as well, Moshe was willing to sacrifice himself
in order to save his people. In both cases Moshe went to great lengths to challenge
the wrath of God. Instead of rejecting his people and starting anew, which is the
easiest solution, Moshe was so dedicated to his nation that he had a special place
in his heart for them.
The qualities that made Mosh special were his humility, care, and devotion. When
Moshe insisted that Aharon be the leader, he demonstrated that he wouldn’t put
himself above anyone else. When Bnei Yisrael were suffering through slavery,
even though Moshe was considered an “ish Mitzri”- an Egyptian man (see Shemot
2:19), he still shared their pain. And often times it’s appealing to give up and start
over with a clean slate. But a good leader would do anything to save his people.
Moshe accepted the job to develop the nation, so as a whole, Bnei Yisrael could
grow in their spirituality and eventually come as close to Hashem as possible.
The simple lesson is to be like Moshe. But “We’re inherently flawed, so how can
there be perfection?” (Tiger Woods). “Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase
perfection we can catch excellence” (Vince Lombardi). How does one achieve that
excellence? Follow the characteristics of Moshe Rabbeinu.
Often times in Yeshiva we’ll have a situation when we’re doing very well and a
friend is struggling. We can learn from Moshe to not flaunt oneself because “no