PARSHAS KI SISA: A Lesson in Leadership (5760)

PARSHAS KI SISA: A Lesson in Leadership (5760)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The Parsha of the “Aigel HaZahav”(The Golden Calf) has been a source of perpetual perplexity.  The “aveira” itself is so unclear and it is difficult to understand exactly what it was that they did.  It is especially hard to fathom that after having experienced the miracles of “Yetzias Mitzrayim”; at that point of history how they could have fallen as they did.  Klal Yisrael is standing at Har Sinai, experiencing the strongest spiritual connection.  They were on such a high plane of spiritualism that they couldn’t continue their physical existence—“Parcha Nishmasam”—their souls parted from their bodies.  How is it possible to sin at such a time?

A probable and palatable approach, which also fits in well with the text, is that the episode was a result of their quest for a Manhig (a leader).  The obvious difficulty with this is that when Klal Yisrael made their request to Aharon the way it was verbalized was: “Asai Lanu Elokim”—which has the implication that it was a form of “Deity” (Chas V’Shalom some form of Avoda Zara) that they were seeking.

For the key of the meaning of this we must know that it was clear to Klal Yisrael that a Manhig was more than a man of great stature with leadership qualities and even with Siyata Dishmaya (Divine assistance).  The Manhig was very closely integrated with Elokus.  If it could be said regarding manhigim in our relatively low generations, “HaShachina Midaberes Mitoch Garonam” –one can testify that the words that they utter are Divinely inspired—what could we say of our leaders of many generations ago?  HaShachina Mimalay Kol Gufam—their entirety was Divinely inspired.  The Mesilas Yesharim (Chap. 26) describes the heights our great ones can reach and says that they can become “KiMalach Hashem Mamash”—literally likened to angel of Hashem. Further in the chapter he explains that eventually one can reach such a degree of “oneness” with HaShem that he will be given the “key” of the ability to actually reinstate life to a deceased—since he has become “one” with the Giver of life.  Despite the fact that the power of giving life is not delegated to any human being, the Tzaddik, becoming one with Hashem is imbued with this power.  These words are awesome and if not for the high credibility of the source, we would not contemplate such a thought in our minds.  It is not so difficult now to understand why the terminology “Elokus” was mentioned in Klal Yisrael’s quest for a manhig.

There is a tremendously important lesson and source of inspiration to be gained from the event of the “Aigel”.  The episode came about from a hysteria and panic from the impression and thought of Klal Yisrael that they were without a manhig (even for a short while).  This gives us a perspective of the role that a manhig is supposed to play and his priority of importance in the structure of Am Yisrael in the life of the klal and the individual.  The Ribbono Shel Olam constructed Klal Yisrael with the anatomy as such that it is a vital necessity to have a manhig; with the same correlation that exists between man and his brain.  We cannot make a move or have direction without our manhigim.  We need them for every step, Ruchnius and Gashmius, physically and spiritually.  Rashi sums up both points.  Concerning Moshe Rabbeinu Rashi states (32:1): “Vihaya Moreh Lanu HaDerech Asher Naaleh Ba, Ata Tzrichim Anu LaElokus Asher Yelech Lifanenu”—Moshe Rabbeinu enlightened us concerning every step to take, and now we need some Divine source to replace him.  We see here the role of a manhig and his integration with Divinity.

Rav Shlomo Brevda Shlit”a described to me the scene of the leyava of the Chazon Ish ztz”l.  It was the picture of Klal Yisrael standing in stupor of bewilderment.  Ashkenazim and Sefardim, Chasidim and Litvaks, Talmidei Chachamim and laymen, public figures and private individuals, young and old, rich and poor, were questioning–what will be our next move?  Rabbanim were totally perplexed—how will we lead our Talmidim?  Farmers—who will guide and advise us, concerning our sheep and crops?  Doctors (even irreligious) and people seeking medical advice in life-threatening situations—should we operate or not?

The Yeshivas Mir, an army of the greatest Talmidei Chachamim, were saved from the holocaust through the direction of R’ Yechezkel Levenstein ztz”l, the Mashgiach, who led them step by step.  After the war there practically wasn’t any religious Institution in the world for males or females, Chasidim or Litvaks, that didn’t have on its staff a great illuminary from the Mirrer Yeshiva.  The last stage of their escape was through Shanghai.  Some brilliant talmidim quickly mastered the difficult Chinese language and kept up to date about the war situation through the local newspaper.  Based on this they advised R’ Yechezkel that it was imperative to change locations.  He said—we are staying put.  The place where the talmidim had suggested that they move to was bombed and destroyed shortly after.  Subsequently, the students claimed it was important to remain where they were located–to which R’ Yechezkel replied—we’re moving out of here.  Shortly afterward that location was completely devastated.

More recently, regarding the Gulf War, all the government military authorities claimed that the missiles would be of a chemical nature, and advised everyone to obtain and don gas masks.  R’ Chaim Kanievsky Shlit”a said—the only use you will have of the masks is Purim costumes.  All the missiles turned out to be conventional explosives.

Our Manhigim are our K E Y, they S E E, and they always S A W.

We must demand of ourselves an honest, clear appraisal of where we are standing regarding this vital issue.  HaShem sends us our manhigim according to the way we see it and feel the need.  May we always merit great Manhigim.