In this week’s parshah we learn of one of the most important character traits of Moshe — his humility. Hungry and thirsty in the desert, the people of Israel complain and rally against Moshe. They cry out that they would rather have remained in the safety of slavery in Egypt, where they always had a square meal, than face the uncertainty of freedom in the desert. Moshe calls out to God for help, claiming that he cannot lead these people alone; that the burden is too great for him. In response, God offers to confer the spirit of leadership on 70 elders to assist him. When two of them — Eldad and Medad — begin to prophesize in the camp, Moshe’s trusted friend Joshua Ben Nun entreats Moshe to restrain this challenge to his leadership. Moshe replies, “Why are you jealous on my account? Shouldn’t all God’s people be prophets, and shouldn’t God confer the spirit upon all of them!” Moshe is a humble leader who hoped that all his people could be leaders. He does not desire to be the only one who has the gift of God’s spirit.
At the end of the parshah, Moshe faces another leadership and personal challenge. His own brother and sister defy him, claiming that they too are prophets of God. It is here that we read the famous verse, that “Moshe was very humble, more than any other person on earth.” Perhaps Moshe reached the depths of his humility at this moment, because his very own brother and sister challenged him. God is furious with Aaron and Miriam’s arrogance, and strikes Miriam with leprosy. But Moshe, rather than showing anger or disappointment, responds by praying for Miriam to be healed. This moment, where his love for his sister overcomes any slight he may have felt, is a shining moment in Moshe’s leadership.
From this moment we learn love may be the strongest source of humility.
Shabbat Shalom,
Moreh Greg