Often when one is in a position of leadership, it seems like we don’t have a life of our own. We are just living for others. For our boss, for our parents, for our kids, and for our clients. When we lose sight of ourselves it's easy to experience burnout.
In this week's Torah portion, it warns that a Jewish king is not to accumulate wealth, not to wield power, and not to show off. If he is consumed with himself, he will destroy his soul and the country together.
What, then, is his purpose? Isn’t the goal of government leadership to become rich, powerful, and famous?
Moshe tells us that a king must “write for himself two copies of this Torah... And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the L-rd, his G-d, to keep all the words of this Torah and these statutes, to perform them….. So that his heart will not be haughty over his brothers, and so that he will not turn away from the commandment, either to the right or to the left, in order that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom, he and his sons, among Israel."
Moshe tells the king to live as a humble servant. One whose mind and heart are permanently open to Hashem and His Torah. Only when you are truly connected to a higher power, then and only then are you truly powerful. Only then can you be fearless!
When your power is the might of the “All Mighty G-d”, you aren’t using your own limited control, then burnout is not an issue. When you are deeply connected and feel honored that Hashem has trusted you with this role, you will be genuinely humble. Your behavior will be a model for the Jewish people, providing them a living example of how to live as a Jew.
A true leader is a conduit for something greater than themselves and one who feels honored to be given their role, be it a parent, spouse, employee, boss, child, client etc.
Isaiah describes the Jewish people as righteous while Moses designates them as royalty.
We are all kings. We have some control over our lives, our destiny, and our resources. When we view ourselves not as the person in control, but as a humble leader connected to Hashem and ready to implement His purpose for us, we become much bigger than ourselves. We practice both our business affairs and our Judaism proudly, fearlessly, honestly, and humbly.
We will give generously of the time and resources that Hashem has provided us. And we will feel honored to do so.
Are you ready to make the mind shift? Are you ready to act as a leader?
Have a good Shabbos!
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman