Every community needs two kinds of leaders—one who is a positive, inspirational leader, who motivates each member of the community to strive for perfection in all aspects of their lives; and one who relates to our weaknesses and encourages and motivates us to overcome weaknesses we may have, even if we never reach perfection.
The difference between the two is that the first leader focuses on the positive within us, while the latter understands our faults and helps us come to terms with them.
At first glance, we would rather have the leader who encourages us to strive for perfection. Why focus on the negative?
However, on closer examination we realize that although we prefer to be good all the time, in reality, it is not so. What happens when we fail? Do we have the tools to pick ourselves up?
This is where the second kind of leader comes into play. When a leader lets us know that they can relate to us, that they understand our struggles, this kind of leader is a true inspiration to the whole community.
So yes, we need both kind of leaders, but it is the second that really leads, since this leader is lifting us up from the bottom, not just from the head.
This is why in this week’s Torah portion, we read about the leader who has sinned. As a consequence, he must bring a special offering and the whole community must be told about it. However, the Midrash distinguishes between the two kinds of leaders mentioned above as to the effect that they have on the community. When the first kind of leader (i.e., the Kohen Gadol, the high priest) sins, the Midrash tells us that its a positive sign that he confesses publicly. However, the true compliment is bestowed on the second kind of leader (the Rabbi of the generation): When he admits his mistakes, the Midrash says that it lifts the whole community up to a higher spiritual level!
The reason for this is that since the Rabbi was the leader who could relate to them, understand the possibility for sin, and give the Jewish people the tools to overcome their challenges, when he sins and shows that he, too, can do something wrong, and can admit it – in public – this is truly an inspiring moment for the community.
Each of us, also, can strive to not only be a great cheerleader for our colleagues, friends, and family, but to be the one who understands people around us, and helps them reach greater heights!
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Pesach!