1. Moshe Rabbeinu’s Final Reflections and the 38 Years of Silence
In this week’s parsha, we find Moshe Rabbeinu, shortly before his passing, recounting to the Jewish people their journey—the struggles, challenges, good times, and difficult moments. This entire recounting takes place in a very short period before his death. One striking point Moshe makes is that for 38 years, Hashem did not speak to him in a way of love or special affection. The time in the desert is divided into two parts: the initial period after leaving Egypt, receiving the Torah, and building the Mishkan; and then, after the story of the meraglim—the spies—when Bnei Yisrael were punished to wander for 40 years.
The Torah resumes its narrative in the final year before entering Eretz Yisrael. During those years when Hashem was upset with Bnei Yisrael, He was also upset with Moshe Rabbeinu. Hashem did not speak to him affectionately because of His displeasure with the people. This teaches us about the deep connection between a leader and his people.
2. The Leader’s Privileges Are for Service
Rashi points out that any privileges a leader has are only because he serves the people. If Hashem is upset with Bnei Yisrael, He is also upset with their leader; the leader does not retain privileges independently. This gives us a new perspective on leadership: it is not about personal status or honor but about responsibility and service to others.
This idea is echoed elsewhere as well—for example, Rashi notes that Moshe Rabbeinu’s greatness came only because of Bnei Yisrael. True leaders are elevated through their service to others, not through self-promotion or pursuit of honor.
3. The Distortion of Leadership in Modern Times
It can be disturbing to observe how leadership sometimes manifests today—whether in politics or even religious spheres such as current elections for chief rabbis in Israel. There seems to be an association with power, money, and manipulation that feels distressing for those observing from outside these circles.
We expect distinguished rabbis and leaders to act above such behavior, yet sometimes we see words and actions unbecoming of their positions. While it may not be important who is right or wrong in specific cases, the public perception is that something is amiss when leadership becomes about personal gain rather than service.
4. Hashem Chooses Leaders—Not Self-Promotion
The parsha reminds us that true leadership comes from Hashem’s choice. Just as Hashem chose Moshe Rabbeinu—who did not seek out leadership but rather tried to avoid it—so too real leaders are chosen by Hashem for their willingness to serve despite personal reluctance.
Moshe Rabbeinu was “running away from office,” not campaigning for it. Hashem had to “twist his arm,” so to speak, compelling him into leadership because true leadership means accepting responsibility for others. Throughout history, our greatest leaders often refused positions of authority out of humility and fear of the awesome responsibility involved.
5. The Dangers of Using Torah for Personal Gain
Pirkei Avos warns against using the crown of Torah for personal benefit—keser Torah—if one uses it for self-interest, it is considered a grave sin (aveira). Even teaching Torah should not be done for monetary gain: halacha prohibits taking money directly for teaching Torah itself.
The system works around this by paying teachers or rabbis for related services—such as supervising children or compensating them for lost work time (schar batala)—rather than directly charging for Torah instruction. The principle remains: Torah is an inheritance for all Klal Yisrael and should never become a tool for personal enrichment.
6. The True Role of Leadership—Responsibility and Example
The job of Jewish leadership is to keep people engaged with holiness, set an example of dedication in avodas Hashem—service of God—and inspire others through living Torah values. Leadership should never be about lording over others or seeking honor and benefits.
This misuse leads to chilul Hashem—a desecration of God’s name—as negative behavior by leaders provides fodder for critics who thrive on exposing faults rather than focusing on their own growth.
7. Building Unity During the Nine Days
The lesson is especially relevant during these Nine Days leading up to Tisha B’Av: we must strengthen ourselves in how we treat each other—with respect, sensitivity, love, care, and friendship—to merit rebuilding the Beis Hamikdash.
This unity fulfills Hashem’s ultimate purpose: creating a dirah betachtonim—a dwelling place below—and bringing about redemption so these days will transform from mourning into joy and festivals (yom tov). As the Rambam says, these days will become times of celebration when we merit geulah sheleima—complete redemption—in our days.