By: Cindy Coons
Director of Family Engagement & Jewish Explorers
Have you ever been asked to share your expertise and experience about a topic and thought to yourself, “Am I the best person for this job?” Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome – feeling like there are other people who have more knowledge, experience, and expertise, who are better qualified to do the job? If you have, you are in good company.
This week’s parsha, Sh’mot, the first Torah portion in the book of Exodus, details Moses’ journey from self-doubt to courageous leadership. Moses is called by God at the Burning Bush, and responds, “Hineni, Here I am.” God commissions Moses to go and ask Pharaoh to free the Israelites from Egypt. At first, Moses refuses God’s request several times to go and speak to the Pharoah since he does not think he is smart enough or has good enough speech to convey his message. God encourages Moses to ask his brother, Aaron, to go with him and be his spokesman. God reassures Moses that God will be with and guide them both as they work in partnership to free the Israelite people.
Moses initially feels inadequate and unprepared to meet this moment, but he eventually agrees to go with Aaron to speak to Pharaoh. Moses’ leadership was born from his ability to “go out” and see the suffering of others, choosing to intervene to stop injustices, even at his own personal risk. God may not have chosen Moses for his eloquence or power, but rather for his strong sense of justice and an unwavering commitment to fairness.
Moses’ leadership style is one of the first examples of courageous leadership, rooted in moral clarity and the empowerment of others. Despite his fear of inadequacy and failure, he demonstrates agency to act with a commitment to upholding justice. Moses reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to act in the pursuit of a noble or worthwhile cause despite deep self-doubt and uncertainty. Moses’ response at the Burning Bush, “Hineni – Here I am,” demonstrates a readiness to take responsibility for a mission larger than oneself, even before he knows what God is asking of him. Moses comes to understand that courageous leadership involves delegating and empowering others to help carry the burden.
Sh’mot offers profound lessons about courageous leadership. It reminds us that we can show up as our authentic selves and, at the same time, create space for others to bring their unique and complementary strengths to respond together with agency and purpose to the challenges around us. As we begin the secular new year, may each of us find the courage to respond with agency to make difficult decisions in the face of uncertainty, driven by our values and a greater purpose, while also inspiring others to do the same. And may this be so for everyone in our community. Shabbat Shalom from all of us at JEWISHcolorado.
Please email Cindy Coons at ccoons@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.