Leadership

Leadership is something that is an anomaly. The first thing about a true leader is that they do not want to be a leader, they want to live their life in peace. They are blessed with talents from G-d and people end up gravitating toward them. They are then asked to be a leader and they hesitate, ‘I'd rather not’.

We find this type of leadership when Moses started out. He was already a leader when he defended the underdog and needed to run for his life (Exodus 2:11–12)! However, when G-d asked him to go and "take the children of Israel out of Egypt", Moses responds: "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh"? (Exodus 3:11)When a delegation of elder Chassidim in 1950 came with a petition accepting Rabbi M.M. Schneerson as their Rebbe, he placed his head in his hands and began to cry.

"Please, leave me alone," he begged. "This has nothing to do with me." It was only after a complete year of such episodes that the Rebbe finally accepted the position. Even then, it was with a condition: "I will help," the Rebbe announced, "but each of you must carry out your own mission. Don't expect to hang on to the fringes of my prayer shawl."Earlier this week, I had a moment. A situation I became aware of and I am thankful to everyone in the community who stepped up! I got a call Monday morning about 3 girls who needed clothing. The community got them clothing, hygiene products, gift cards, etc. All I had to do was be the facilitator. It got to a point where they said enough, we can't handle the amount of kindness coming our way.

Every person who gave, from offering services to money, clothing, food, etc. to those who said a prayer for the girls is a leader. They had the talent and resources to provide what they can. They would have rathered the situation not present itself, but ultimately, they stepped up to lead when duty called!

See how you can continue to be a good leader today?

Have an amazing Shabbos!

Rabbi Kushi Schusterman

PS There is a quote attributed to the Rebbe (I don't know the source) that resonates with me: A true leader does not seek followers; he wants to teach others how to be leaders. He does not want to control; he wants the truth. He does not impose his leadership on others, nor does he take away anyone’s autonomy. He inspires by love, not coercion. When it comes time to take credit, he makes himself invisible. He is the first to arrive in a time of need, and will never shrink away in fear. He is so passionate about your welfare that when you consult him for guidance, it is like coming face to face with yourself for the first time.