Sprouting Leadership
We live in a moment filled with a rise of populism and authoritarianism. Leaders with strong moral compasses and open minds are harder to come by. But this is not merely a recent challenge. Our Torah, in Korach, tells of challenges in and challenges to the leadership of Moses.
One model of leadership appears in a contest orchestrated by God. Leaders of each tribe must put their staff in a central location. God will then use the staffs to show who God chooses to lead. At the proper moment, Aaron’s staff sprouts, blossoms, and produces almonds. In so doing, we learn that empowering others to grow is one of the most important qualities of leadership.
What can you do this week to nurture the growth of someone or something?
Rabbi Avi Fine