Rabbi’s Shabbat Message
Reluctant? It Might Be Your Calling!
I was truly blessed to be in New York this week for two unforgettable moments: the Bris of our little grandson, Ben (Binyamin Nissin), and the chance to hold our precious granddaughter Bella, born just a week earlier. These joyous moments filled my heart with gratitude to Hashem.
But while our family celebrated these simchas, the city around us was gripped by a very different event – the primary election for the next mayor of NYC. Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate surged ahead, and many in the Jewish community and beyond, are justifiably concerned about what his potential victory could mean.
This stark contrast between personal joy and public anxiety led me to reflect: What truly makes a great leader? Who is worthy of our trust?
This week’s Torah portion offers us profound insights on this topic. Parashat Chukat marks the end of an era with the passing of both Miriam and Aaron, two towering leaders who guided the Jewish people out of Egypt. For generations since, many have tried to define the qualities that make exceptional leaders. Leadership, it turns out, isn’t just about charisma and credentials. It’s about character, commitment and calling.
The philosopher Aristotle identified three key principles as the foundations of leadership: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional connection), and logos (logical reasoning). But the Torah offers a much deeper, more powerful portrait of leadership—one that goes beyond surface qualities to the very essence of what it means to lead. Ours is a vision of leadership rooted not in ego, but in selflessness.
Real leaders don’t chase power – they carry responsibility. They don’t seek the spotlight, they respond to a calling. Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, of blessed memory, once said that the Torah teaches us that leadership is not a natural trait. The truest sign of a real leader is in fact their reluctance to lead. They only step into the role when they are absolutely compelled by duty.
The greatest leaders of Israel initially rejected their roles. Think of Moshe Rabbeinu, who argued with G-d for seven days at the burning bush, insisting he was unworthy to lead the people out of Egypt. Or the prophet Jeremiah who tried to avoid leadership, saying, “I know not a thing because I am but a lad.” In recent history, the Lubavitcher Rebbe initially resisted assuming leadership after his father-in-law’s passing. For an entire year he declined the title, even threatening to escape when pressured. Only when he realised the community truly needed him did he accept the mantle.
Our reluctant leaders have become our greatest. And what is most remarkable is that even after their physical passing, their influence continues to inspire long after.
Rashi, in his commentary on the manna, the miraculous food that sustained the Jewish people in the desert, writes that “the last bits of manna lasted until the people entered the land.” In other words, even after Moshe’s passing, his leadership—his manna—continued to nourish, sustain and guide his people. This enduring influence is true for all great Jewish leaders. Even though their physical presence may be gone, their immense impact lingers, shaping lives for generations.
I saw this truth in action on Sunday. I had just landed in New York and headed straight from JFK to the Ohel. As I stood in line to enter the Rebbe’s resting place, I saw thousands of men, women, children from every corner of the world. Each one there to connect, pray, reflect and seek inspiration. Piles of letters from all over the globe were lovingly placed at the grave by dedicated volunteers. The atmosphere was suspended in meaning and hope.
In that moment, I truly felt the Rebbe’s impact is stronger now than ever. His “Manna,” his teachings, his guidance and his spirit, continue to feed and inspire millions. May it continue to guide us towards the ultimate redemption, speedily and in our time. Amen.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Levi and Chanie Wolff