KI TISA: A True Leader
Moses’ Reaction
In this Parsha we read about the golden calf. When he saw the calf, Moses hurled the sacred tablets to the ground and meted out strict punishment to the sinners. Having vented his frustration Moses returned to G-d and pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of the Jewish people.
Betrayal
Many know the feeling of being betrayed by those they trust most. We ask ourselves, “How could this person I used to call my “friend” do this to me?” We feel frustrated, hurt and often grow angry. All to often we sever the relationship and abandon the betrayer.
Our challenge is to learn from Moses the greatest of all Jewish leaders. Moses spent a lifetime teaching the Jewish people and nurturing them through their many crises. Now, at this critical juncture, Moses could have justified his anger and agreed with the terrible punishment G-d had proposed for the nation.
Forgiveness
But what did Moses do? He didn’t get angry; instead he remembered his love. He returned to G-d and pleaded for the very people who have just betrayed him.
This is the mark of a true leader.
Tags: forgiveness
