Rashi explains how Moshe Rabbeinu “took” the heads of the tribes: “I persuaded them verbally; I said, ‘Fortunate are you! Over whom do you come to be appointed?’ Over the descendants of Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov. Over people who are called ‘brothers’ and ‘friends’ of Hashem, a ‘portion’ and an ‘inheritance’ of Hashem and all other expressions of endearment.” Moshe convinced the heads of the tribes that they were about to become leaders of a select group of people – ones whom Hashem esteemed. Likewise, Moshe implied to the people that they were special. A remarkable lesson in chinuch, education, may be derived from here. The mentor/rebbe/Rav/Rosh Yeshivah must view his charges endearingly. He must see all of their positive traits, and, if those are at a premium, he should be creative in conjuring up their positive attributes. He must look and treat them as a father treats his son – with love. Likewise, it is equally important that these charges view themselves with the appropriate sense of self-esteem. Moshe told the nation they were special, so they would feel special. A leader must infuse his flock with self-esteem and self-confidence. Otherwise, all his positive thoughts about them will not succeed in achieving their desired potential. Praise and constructive feedback contribute towards creating a balanced relationship, with realistic, yet demanding expectations. Effective leadership involves balancing empathy and authority to foster a positive and productive environment to breed success.
When Moshe was commanded to make chatzotzros, trumpets, he was to use his personal funds for the material. Likewise, when the nation was succumbing to the fiery serpents, he was instructed to make a copper serpent – also from his own funds. The question is obvious: the trumpets were used to summon the nation. This was a community expense. Why did Moshe have to pay for it from his own pocket? Likewise, the copper snake was made to benefit the nation. Should Moshe had been required to pay for it?
Horav Yitzchak Zilberstein, Shlita, explains that our Torah leaders relate to us like a father to a son. Leadership means to serve. Parents serve their children, because that is what parents do. If one’s child requires a doctor’s visit, does the child pay for it? No! The parents pay because they want the benefit for their child. Hashem wanted Moshe to lay out the money, because this way it became a family endeavor. It was not the nation alone that was seeking Heavenly forgiveness. It was Moshe together with his children. When the parent is part and parcel of the endeavor, its efficacy quotient skyrockets. We pay for our children all the time. Why should our quintessential leader be different?
