Torah: Overcoming Setbacks in Leadership
As I write this, I am heading back home after spending a few days with my work colleagues at Reconstructing Judaism. I became a rabbi to serve a Jewish community. That plan has worked out differently than I thought it would, and today I am a very public-facing rabbi, and I serve more folks than I could have ever imagined.
I understand a leader's struggles and challenges, which include setbacks, failures, and successes, all of which come with the title of rabbi, especially when fighting for acceptance. The story of Moses in this week's Torah portion of Vaera is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination in leadership. Despite his initial doubts and setbacks, Moses ultimately becomes a powerful leader who leads the Israelites to freedom. This example illustrates that failure is a natural part of the journey toward success and that true leaders are those who are able to overcome these failures and keep moving forward.
Moses reminds us all that leadership is tested not just during times of success but also during times of adversity, and true leaders can rise to the challenge and lead people through difficult times. Leadership can be particularly challenging when fighting for acceptance and overcoming setbacks. However, it is important to remember that even the most outstanding leaders have faced their own struggles and setbacks.
In my role as a Rabbi, I strive to embody the leadership qualities exemplified by Moses in this week's Torah portion. I strive to persevere through the challenges, struggles, racism, sexism, homophobia, and other things that were thrown my way. I also strive to learn from my failures and setbacks and to use these experiences to become a stronger and more effective leader.
Finally, as we head into Shabbat, I want to add that this week's Torah portion highlights that we are dynamic and extraordinary beings with the potential to do amazing things. The text says Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh, We Will Be What We Will Be." Moses exemplifies this potential and how one person can rise to become the leader they were always meant to be. And each of us can be the Moses of our generation, or the Moses of our community, someone capable of doing amazing things if we live up to our potential and never give up.
As stated above, I understand the challenges of fighting for acceptance and overcoming setbacks. I have faced obstacles and discrimination but have persevered and emerged stronger. The key to success is to never give up and always strive to be better.
I can relate to this clip below with Leslie Jones because there was a time when I almost quit being a rabbi. I knew at that time that “I am good at what I do,” but I was frustrated and wondered how much longer can I do this. And the next day, I went back to work.
I’m really good at what I do, but how much longer can I do this? It’s okay to come home and go, I want to quit. It’s okay. As long as you get up the next day and do what you got to do.
Words I needed to hear! Thank you!