Parshat Pinchas- Qualifications of a Leader
by Rabbi Lobel

(Numbers: Chapter 27, Verses 15-17) “Moses spoke to G-d saying, “May G-d, G-d of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation... let not the Congregation of G-d be like sheep without a shepherd.”

Moses knew he would not lead the Children of Israel to the Promised Land but rather end his journey in the desert. He asked G-d to appoint a qualified leader. Moses was to take his successor and proclaim him leader in front of all the Children of Israel.

Rashi paraphrases the Medrash Rabba (21:2) explaining what is meant by Moses' expression “G-d of the spirits of all flesh.” Every individual, created by G-d, was created with a different personality – spirit; each individual personality does not resemble any other. A leader must be able to tolerate each individual according to his personality.

The Yalkut Shemoni (776) explains, “to tolerate” means “to talk” to each individual according to his personality.

It is clear from the Yalkut Shemoni that not only understanding each individual's needs is important, it is also the necessity to communicate with every member of Israel.

Great leaders may have grandiose visions and overcome huge obstacles but it is their ability to communicate to every individual that enables leaders to accomplish their goals.