After everything Moshe does not enter the land
Shabbat Shalom to all our readers.
Parashat Chukat is filled with stories of failure of leadership and violence. Chukat is a particularly famous portion mainly because Moshe finds out that despite his work as leader in the desert he will not be allowed to enter into the land of Israel.
Moshe finds out this news somewhat tragically. When his sister Miriam dies, the well which miraculously provided water to the people during their 40 years of travels in the desert, disappears.
The people of Israel become panicked at the lack of water, because after all, no water in a desert is a sure death spell. But instead of having faith in the open miracles they have witnessed for close to 40 years, they begin riling themselves up against Moshe and Aaron’s leadership.
With pressure building, Moshe seeks advice from God who instructs him that he should speak directly to a rock in the desert and ask for water.
There are many Midrashim that discuss exactly why Moshe did not follow God’s precise instructions but ultimately, Moshe ends up striking the rock with his staff, which results in water gushing out and the thirst of the people quenched.
In response to Moshe’s failure to heed instructions, God informs Moshe and Aaron that they will not be entering the land of Israel.
It is a devastating blow to the steadfast leader of Israel, who has led them through the toughest times, only to find out he won’t be there for the grand finale: the entry into the promised land.
And while Moshe is obviously disappointed, he ultimately accepts his fate and he and the nation immediately move forward.
I have thought a lot about this outcome and the difficulty in which Moshe would have received this news.
Instead of being the leader to bring the people of Israel into their land, he would be forced to leave them just as they were embarking on their biggest journey yet – statehood and nation-building.
When reading this week’s parasha, it is impossible not to feel sad that Moshe and Aaron will not be entering into the land of Israel. Inevitably we ask ourselves – Really? Why?
While Moshe’s transgression does not seem so severe to the average person, Moshe was not considered an average person.
Moshe is exceptional in every way. He is the only human to speak to God face to face. He is the only person who ascends heaven multiple times and returns to govern on earth.
So, the standard that Moshe is held to is incredibly high.
We expect more from our leaders and from those in positions of power. Leadership is a privilege, not a right. Listening to the people and their needs is imperative. Following one’s instructions as a leader is paramount. Failure to do either of those things can result in the antithesis of good leadership: chaos and calamity.
Moshe’s punishment is a difficult pill to swallow, but it also provides context for how leadership should be treasured.
In life, leadership is fleeting. You are appointed to a position of power, with the ability to effect change. And while one may grow to love the benefits of leadership, this time is all too fleeting.
The responsibility is to ensure we do not squander the opportunity, do our best, and remember our mission and purpose that drives us. To serve the people with love, humility and above all, a fear of the ultimate leader of all people: Hashem.
Gabi Kaltmann is rabbi of the ARK Centre, Melbourne.
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