THOUGHT OF THE WEEK – October 8, 2021
Leadership plays a hugely important role in my life. I am constantly questioning how I can be a good leader to myself, to my children, and to all those around me.
In my view, the key to great leadership is embracing humility and truly being seen as a member of one’s community. This means that we are not above anyone– instead, we view all others as our equals.
This week’s Torah portion highlights the story of Noah, and I think his story perfectly describes leadership towards family– yet not towards the community in large.
When God told Noah that he was going to destroy the world, Noah asked God to save his family, yet he did not request safety for anyone else in the community. Conversely, when God told Abraham that he was going to destroy the city of Sodom, Abraham argued with God on behalf of the people, pleading with God not to destroy the city if there were any righteous people. Lastly, when God said he was going to destroy the people after the sin of the Golden Calf, Moses– who is considered the greatest of all leaders throughout the Jewish faith– told God ‘if you destroy my people, destroy me too, as who am I without them’?
What we see from Moses is true leadership: identifying with each other’s pain, being our brother’s keeper, and seeing ourselves as responsible for one another.
I am I because you are you, and you are you because I am I. We need to have our individuality, see our unique talents live up to our potential, and seize our leadership roles, yet we must never look at them as making us special or better than, as we are simply a sum of our parts. The arm is only a limb– it is nothing without the body or the mind.
What are your thoughts on leadership? Additionally, what qualities make for a great leader?
This week, let’s all take time to identify our talents and to see our unique gifts, yet let’s not allow our gifts to make us think we are better than anyone else. We are all equals, and we are all on this wild journey together.
Accountability, Community, Unconditional Love
Asher
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