Balak - Bridging the Gap: Lessons in Leadership
It is not a given that leaders have a relationship with their people. The construct of leadership in and of itself can create a divide between leader and nation, often an unbridgeable chasm. This distance can lead to an out-of-touch leader and disconnected people, resulting in apathy and disillusionment. By contrast, there are leaders who immerse themselves in the vicissitudes of their people, demonstrating deep empathy and love.
In our haftorah, Hashem confronts the Jewish nation, asking them how He has wronged them asking the mountains to act as judges and evaluate the case. He then lists the historical events starting from the exodus from Egypt, concluding with the events of Bilam and Balak recounting in the Parsha. At all times, Hashem was there to rescue and redeem. עַמִּ֛י מֶה־עָשִׂ֥יתִי לְךָ֖ וּמָ֣ה הֶלְאֵתִ֑יךָ עֲנֵ֥ה בִֽי׃ “My people! What wrong have I done you? What hardship have I caused you? Testify against Me. כִּ֤י הֶעֱלִתִ֙יךָ֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וּמִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִ֖ים פְּדִיתִ֑יךָ וָאֶשְׁלַ֣ח לְפָנֶ֔יךָ אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֖ה אַהֲרֹ֥ן וּמִרְיָֽם׃ In fact, I brought you up from the land of Egypt, I redeemed you from the house of bondage, And I sent before you Moshe, Aaron, and Miriam.
The Ibn Ezra points out in his commentary on Sefer Micha, that when Hashem enumerates the gifts we were given, רק טובה רבה עשיתי לך, I bestowed upon you a great goodness, this goodness went far beyond these historical events and miracles. Hashem emphasizes that He delivered the Jewish nation through Moshe, Aaron, and Miriam—each with their own unique role and way in guiding and teaching the people. This triad of leadership wasn't distant or abstract. Rather, each of these exceptional leaders had a deeply personal relationship and was directly involved in the lives of the people. Even the key elements of desert existence were in the merit of these illustrious leaders, the clouds of glory to protect them, the manna and the well.
Each leader models for us even today how leaders can connect with the people, how the people can connect with leaders and how we can each connect with the other. Moshe, who spoke with Hashem "face to face," as one speaks to a friend, epitomizes a leader with an unparalleled closeness to God. His role was not just to transmit commandments but to intercede, guide, and support the people in their journey. This direct line of communication with the Divine provided clarity and certainty, akin to a father guiding his child or a teacher instructing a student.
Aaron's role as a prophet and spokesperson for Moshe highlights the importance of accessible leadership. He communicated Hashem's will and Moshe's instructions to the people, ensuring that the Divine message was understood and embraced. Aaron's relationship with the Jewish people was one of trust and respect, facilitating their spiritual and communal growth. It was these qualities that afforded Aaron the voice of reason and peace among the people.
Miriam HaNeviah, the prophetess, played a crucial role in inspiring and leading the women of Israel. Her presence ensured that the spiritual needs of the women and all segments of the community were addressed. Through her song and leadership, she instilled hope and faith, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
Leaders who are accessible and relatable can profoundly impact their communities. They inspire trust and facilitate growth, making the teachings and values they promote more tangible and attainable. Hashem's message through Micha reminds us of the tremendous value in having leaders who are not only authoritative figures but also personal guides and mentors. These close, personal connections with our leaders can lead to greater understanding, unity, and spiritual growth. Let us appreciate the leaders in our lives who embody these values, and let us strive to cultivate personal, meaningful relationships within our own spheres of influence. In doing so, we can ensure that our communities continue to thrive and grow in spiritual strength.