Dear Friend,
With the U.S. presidential primaries now in full swing, the topic of leadership is on everyone’s mind.
I am reminded of the last chassidic discourse that the Lubavitcher Rebbe (Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory) distributed before his passing. It is based on this week’s Torah portion, and addresses the role of Moses’ leadership.
The Rebbe explains that the role of Moses and his successors is to arouse and reveal the inner faith and strength that is rooted in, and stems from, the very essence of our own souls. Building on that, we continue to grow through our own initiative. Change can last only if it comes from within ourselves, from our very essence.
While many aspiring leaders of today might focus on other candidates’ flaws, we must remember the Rebbe’s message. When we concentrate on developing the potential latent in our own souls, we no longer focus on those externalities that set us apart, but on that which unites us—the spark of G‑d that resides within our souls.
Yehuda Shurpin,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
