D’var Torah – February 28

Shabbat Shalom!

I hope this finds you all well.

Growing up in the Army, I had 2 types of commanders, who were night and day of one another. The first- whenever we were out in the field (i.e. the rain and the cold, or the dust and the heat), this type would find a reason, an excuse to be back in the rear in a nice warm, comfortable bed, and whenever there was a hot meal, they’d be the first in line. The second was the type of leader I’d follow to the ends of the earth. This type would always share the same austere conditions with us, and would always, always be the last to eat. I learned a lot- both who I wanted to aspire to be as a leader and who I didn’t want to be.

In this week’s parsha of Terumah (Exodus 25:1–27:19), we receive an inspiring commandment: “Let them [the Children of Israel] make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”(Exodus 25:8)

Think about it – the tribes of Israel find themselves in the uncompromising harshness and unyielding severity of the desert. God, the most powerful, the most immense, the most majestic, could be anywhere else doing anything else, but yet He chooses to be with and remain with his beloved Israel in the unforgiving terrain and climate of the wilderness. He doesn’t have to be there, but yet still He chooses to do so. If that isn’t both exemplary leadership and unconditional love, I don’t know what is. I can only imagine the courage, faith, endurance, fortitude, strength, and hope that this inspired in our ancestors.

There is something reassuring in knowing that good leaders will always put themselves in the same conditions as those they are leading. In other words, they are not asking anyone to do something they aren’t willing to do themselves.

In one of his ten principles of leadership, legendary World War II veteran and US Army Officer Major Dick Winters (z”l) taught, “Lead from the front. Say, “Follow me!” and then lead the way.”[1]

Bizrat HaShem, may we always strive to emulate God’s leadership and be there for our friends and families as we travel with them in life’s path.

Wishing you all a Good Shabbos and a restful weekend.

Bivrakha,

Rabbi Aaron Stucker-Rozovsky

Beth El Congregation | 520 Fairmont Ave, Winchester, VA 22601

(540) 667-1889 (office)