And The People Believed...

With Passover beginning this Friday evening, I thought it would be nice to take a look at a seminal verse in the Book of Exodus, one that clearly defines just how leadership is achieved in the Hebrew Bible.  After the Egyptians drowned in the Sea of Reeds at the hand of God, the Bible states that, "the people revered the Lord, and they had faith in the Lord and in Moses, His servant."  (Exodus 14:31).

Were we speaking of miracles, we would say that the power of the miracle at the Sea of Reeds was that it was public, direct and empirical.  Six hundred thousand Israelites witnessed it (public), God caused it and not an angel (direct) and it was a measurable change in the natural world (empirical).  Fulfilling these three requirements gives this miracle such power.

Now let's translate this miracle to the world of Biblical leadership.  Typically we define leadership as either ascribed leadership (leadership by virtue of position) or earned leadership (leadership by virtue of deed).  God, of course, is the ultimate ascribed leader.  But this verse gives us an insight into Moses as one who has earned the title of a leader.  By bringing the Israelites through the Sea of Reeds and then witnessing the destruction of the Egyptians, Moses proved to the Israelites that he was indeed a proven leader.

In other words, just because you want to be called a leader does not mean that you are a leader; there are steps along the way.  Not only is training involved, you have to get people to follow you!  Your leadership must be public (nobody leads in secret), direct (say what you mean and stick to it) and empirical (stick to the natural world and have realistic expectations).

So Moses, even after magic tricks, plagues and other assorted acts finally proved himself to the Israelites as a true leader.  It was only here that he earned the title of a leader.  And because of this belief in Moses, we are here today as believing Jews, Christians and Muslims.

And the people believed in Moses - and still do!

Happy Passover and a Happy Easter as well.  What a time to come together under the one, true God.

Enjoy the holiday.

Rabbi Jordan Parr
Dallas, Texas
rabbiparr@gmail.com