Weekly Sidra: Vezot Haberachah (And This is the Blessing)
Torah Portion: Devarim / Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12
Haftorah: Yehoshua / Joshua 1:1 – 1:9

“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ attendant: "My servant Moses is dead. Prepare to cross the Jordan, together with this entire people, into the land that I am giving to the Israelites. 3 Every spot on which your foot treads I give to you, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and the Lebanon to the Great River, the River Euphrates [on the east]–the whole Hittite country–and up to the Mediterranean Sea on the west.5 No one shall be able to resist you as long as you live. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.” (Yehoshua 1:2-5)

This week we read the final Torah portion which deals with the death of Moses and the words of HaShem to Joshua as leader over Israel.

We may feel sad over the fact that Moshe Rabeinu never made it to the promise land.  He was most likely the greatest leader in Israel’s history, a humble man, and one who spoke with HaShem face to face.  If I was Joshua I may have decided to run away.

What a challenge for Joshua and yet he took on the mantle of leadership.  Being a leader is never easy, but I feel it is a necessary part of life.  What makes a good leader?

If we examine the life of Moses it is clear that he knew to rely on HaShem.  A godly leader is one who realizes that they cannot do anything in their own power, but they need to rely on HaShem.  We also know that Moses was very humble.  A good leader is not proud or arrogant, but can lead in strength through humility.

Moses was a great leader because he knew how to utilize the people and resources that HaShem provided.  Moses had his right hand in Aaron.  A good leader has others around that are trustworthy and can be left in charge.  They are aware of the strengths of others and encourage them to be used by HaShem.

I hear many people say “I am not a leader” or “HaShem has not called me to lead.”  The truth is a leader does not have to be only the Rabbi, but we should all strive to use our talents.  Maybe you can help clean up or do the dishes.  Perhaps you can set the table or bring food.  Whatever you can do, just do it.  If everyone takes a role then we can all be the leaders that HaShem wants us to be!!