With elections in Israel around the corner, and even beyond politics in general, the question of what defines good leadership is important.
Rabbi Dr. Abba Engelberg makes several very interesting observations from Parshat Bamidbar that help answer this question.
The first thing he notes is that when the Torah describes the census, it includes the leaders of each tribe in the process. Yet initially the Torah refers to them simply as "a man from each tribe," and only later calls them the princes and leaders of the tribes.
This teaches us that the number-one character trait of a good leader is someone who sincerely sees himself as "one of the tribe." A true leader does not feel above the people, but rather sees himself as their servant, using his power and influence to help his brothers and sisters.
In Parshat Beha'alotcha, when the Torah describes the marching order of the nation, it begins with the tribe of Yehudah and again mentions the name of its leader, Nachshon. The context of marching hints at military readiness and national responsibility. The Torah's emphasis on Nachshon teaches that a leader must also possess courage, decisiveness, and the ability to act when action is needed.
A third lesson comes from Parshat Naso, where all the princes bring contributions for the building of the Mishkan. Everyone notices that each tribe brought the exact same offering, even though each tribe may have had different intentions behind it. But our Sages point out something deeper: this was not an incredible coincidence. The leaders met together beforehand and discussed what should be given.
This teaches another essential quality of leadership, not only avoiding jealousy toward fellow leaders, but being humble enough to cooperate with them. Great leadership is not about fighting for honor or attention, but about finding ways to work together for the good of the people.
The strongest leaders are not those who stand above the people,
but those willing to stand with them.
Ask yourself this week: do I lead people, compete with people, or serve people?
Have a great week, Rav Gedaliah