On Leaders: Why Jewish Values Help Your Child Grow
The Jewish community of Toronto is full of leaders who have decided to make a difference.
No matter where you go in the world, there is a Jewish organizational leader initiating a plethora of events, programs, and charitable organizations.
Why is that? What is this need that we have as Jewish people to rise up and strive to change the world?
On Leaders: Why Jewish Values Help Your Child Grow
Judaism Believes In Individual Greatness and Accountability
One of the most important attributes of a leader–other than inspiring others to follow– is holding oneself to a higher standard than one’s peers. In Pirke Avot 2:5 it states: “In a place where there are no people, try to be a person of courage.” What does this mean? It’s not just teaching us that one should try to be a leader when there isn’t one. It’s about having the courage to do the right thing even when nobody’s watching. It’s about holding onto principles and having integrity. It’s about having an identity that is unwavering and steadfast, no matter the circumstances.
Being able to hold true to what you believe in, even in the face of adversity, is one of the greatest skills that Judaism can impart to the youth in our community. Teaching about the greatness of our leaders is one way to do that.
The Importance of Humility
Jewish leaders, by and large, do not declare themselves as leaders. They are chosen by the community to lead. This is because leadership in Judaism is meant to inspire others to rise up to make a difference. It is meant to encourage young people to spend much of their time and effort in investing in the growth and well being of their community. Teaching our youth about the qualities of our Jewish leaders is an excellent way to show them the power of humility, while inspiring them to become leaders themselves.
Sharing What You Have Learned
The Torah outlines a specific story in which Moses is prompted to teach Aaron’s sons Torah. The passage specifies that the greatest form of teaching is not out of obligation, but given freely.
Moses is the pre-eminent example of this quality. Giving freely of ourselves goes way beyond learning Torah. It is the essence of true leadership, and one of the utmost important lessons to impart to our children.
Accountability. Humility. Giving Freely. These are the heart of what Judaism believes are critical to becoming a true leader.
If you would like your child to learn more about Jewish leaders and what made them worthy of their titles, Torah High offers a course in Jewish Leadership. To find out more, click here.