How are we to understand the profound nature of v’yikchu Li– take for Me? Chazal (Sotah 13b) describe Moshe Rabbeinu’s “funeral” and the eulogy which Hashem rendered for him: Mi yakum li im mireim, mi yisyatzev li im poalei aven; “Who will rise up for Me against evildoers? Who will stand up for Me against those who commit iniquity?” (Tehillim 94:16) Now that Moshe was no longer on this earth, who would serve in his capacity? What about Yehoshua, Moshe’s trusted disciple, and the seventy Elders? Why could they not be counted on to step into Moshe’s role? Why could they not stand up against evil and iniquity?
Horav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, zl, cites Rashi’s commentary to the pasuk, “Who will stand up for Me?” as, “Who will stand up to them, for My sake?” Rashi interprets “for My sake” as a refrence to Moshe Rabbeinu’s relationship with Hashem, which was the most profound in human history. The Torah conveys Moshe’s preeminence: “G-d knew him panim el panim, face-to-face.” In order to achieve such a level of absolute transparency, it is vital that one be the paradigm of humility. As Moshe was the anav mikol adam, the humblest man, total abnegation of self was the very characteristic our quintessential leader exemplified. Moshe led with pure selflessness—and only for Hashem’s sake. Who else could replace him? Bnei Yisreal has had many great men, but only one Moshe Rabbeinu. This is what Hashem lamented: “Who will act purely for My sake?”
Moshe’s greatness lay in this purity of purpose—his complete dedication to a higher mission beyond himself. As Pirkei Avos (2:4) states, “Align your will with Hashem’s will.” By making Hashem’s will his own and setting aside personal concerns, Moshe embodies the ideal of Torah leadership, a leader who serves, rather than one who seeks to be served. True Jewish leadership is not about self-advancement, but about elevating others and fulfilling our Divine mission in this world with humility and integrity. Indeed, students can sense when their mentor is present for them, or to further his own agenda. Moshe’s legacy should inspire us to strive for emes, truth, purity of intention, and placing Hashem’s will at the center of our lives. We must never forget that genuine greatness is found in the service of something beyond ourselves.
