Forgetful Leadership
Are you forgetful? Do you ever forget to get something done because it is not on your to do list? Is it possible to get something done in the best possible manner by running away from doing the very thing?
As Jews, we have many opportunities to do Mitzvos. These include ritual (Tefillin, Mezuza, Passover) and how we show up as part of the society around us (helping the needy, the widow and orphan, Tzedakah).
Generally, connection made in a relationship is through the positive actions we take. But there are some Mitzvos or areas where the opposite is true. It is specifically the inaction (really any negative commandment) and even forgetfulness that becomes the Mitzvah. And perhaps specifically not wanting to do the Mitzvah that makes it so worthy of Divine connection.
The first is the Mitzvah of Shickcha. This is when one is collecting bundles of wheat from the harvest and then a bundle is forgotten. The Mitzvah is to leave the bundle for the poor. If you leave it intentionally, you're out, you haven't done the Mitzvah. Your forgetfulness IS the Mitzvah.
This demonstrates the power of the relationship; that the connection is so great, that we can only connect in the inaction. Deep idea to elaborate on another time.
The main idea I want to share today is the idea of running away from the Mitzvah and this is when one is called upon to be a Nasi or a leader.
Our Sages say that when one runs after honor, honor runs away from them. Conversely, when one runs away from honor, honor pursues them.
Leadership is by definition in service of others. Hence, when one runs towards honor it's not about those you serve but yourself. I want this role because it will give me honor.
Specifically, the one who doesn't want the role is the best for the role. This is because running away means I am not preoccupied with myself at all. So when I do assume the position, I'm here in service of those that I am meant to lead.
In 1950 after the passing of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson the 6th Rebbe, the Chabad community looked to his son in law, Rabbi Menachem Mendel to assume the role of Rebbe.
The Rebbe abhorred the limelight to the extent that at one point during that year after the passing of the Previous Rebbe, he said, "If you keep asking me, I will run away and you'll never find me".
Finally, on the first Yurzeit of the Previous Rebbe he accepted his role. He accepted the role because (as his wife encouraged him), he understood that the work and vision of the Previous Rebbe would decline and that he was called upon to be the one to carry it forward.
Today, we see the transformative power of this leadership. Judaism is alive, there is a Chabad House in every country where there are Jews and even in some that are not hospitable to us.
In his first talk the Rebbe said, (paraphrasing) don't get cocky. I'm not here to do the work for you. You put me in this role so I will guide you, but you will do the work. Together we will change the world.
The Rebbe recruited each and every one of us and you to become part of this vision of making the world a G-dly place and bringing Moshiach.
You are empowered because he didn't want to be empowered!
Next week is Yud Shvat, the 10th of Shvat the anniversary of the Previous Rebbe's passing and the day that the Rebbe assumed his role as Rebbe in 1951.
I invite you to join us for a free talk with Rabbi David Eliezrie, author of the new book Undaunted, how Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak defied the soviets, reimagined American Judaism, propelled Chabad to success and gave us a roadmap to resist semitism and forge a jewish future. He will give us a glimpse into this mission that the Rebbe undertook and expanded a thousandfold.
The book will be available for purchase while supplies last and Rabbi Eliezrie will sign copies if you wish. The event will be followed by a Farbrengen an optional gathering of song and inspiration.
I hope you'll join us and explore our connection with Judaism and Hashem and where our world is headed and the unique role of the Jew.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman
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