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We do not appoint a leader for a community without consulting with the community. We learn this from the pasuk: "Moshe said to Bnei Yisrael: ‘See that Hashem called in the name of Betzalel’" (Shemot 35:30). Hashem said to Moshe: "Moshe, is Betzalel fit in your eyes?" Moshe responded: "If he is fitting in Your eyes, then certainly he is in mine." Hashem said: "Even so, go tell Bnei Yisrael." Moshe went and said to Israel: "Is Betzalel fit in your eyes?" They said to him: "If he is fit in Hashem’s eyes and yours, then certainly he is in ours."
Ein Ayah:
It is true that a leader’s main positive attributes should be in his internal characteristics, especially the purity of his heart and the sanctity of his actions. These characteristics are known truly only to Hashem, who evaluates one’s heart. However the leader also needs talents that are in realms that people can evaluate and appreciate so that his leadership will find favor in the eyes of those he leads. This is the idea of consulting with the people, for in addition to the ability to act as needed, he also needs skills that the people will recognize and through which he will connect himself to them.
The three types of worthwhile attributes for a leader are, in order of importance: internal sanctity, the intelligence to lead the people properly, and an ability to impress the masses, by means of such things as good looks and speaking ability. The internal sanctity is known to Hashem alone. The intelligence can be checked by people, but only those who are themselves very special in their abilities. A person’s appeal, which is the least important, is something on which anyone can comment.
It is important that the combination of the above traits is arranged in the proper order and balance. The most important is the leader’s righteousness, followed by his wisdom, and least of all, the external charms that allow him to lead the community toward lives of goodness. When the order is switched, the leadership will be warped in its performance.
Hashem consulted with Moshe regarding what Moshe saw in Betzalel. Moshe responded that while he was impressed with Betzalel’s intelligence, the important thing to Moshe was that Hashem chose Betzalel for his internal sanctity, which was the most crucial determinant of his suitability. Moshe presented the matter to the nation for their feedback on his suitability from external perspectives. The people answered properly, that while they approved of what they could see from their perspective, the more important things to them were that which Hashem and Moshe were uniquely qualified to determine.
These proper reactions should be the model for all generations in choosing a leader: to choose based on sanctity, intelligence, and charm, in that order. While we are not able to clearly determine the sanctity that is in a person’s heart, we should at least first check based on his good reputation and the actions in which he was involved throughout his life. Afterward, we should check his intelligence. The external qualifications are also something that should not be ignored. Even a judge is praised for being tall and good looking in addition to G-d-fearing, wise and humble.
The fact that Hashem asked Moshe and Bnei Yisrael showed that lower level determinants are also factors even though there are more important factors that need to be considered first. The answers that Moshe and the people gave showed the complete acceptance they had of the proper hierarchy, putting the most important goals and needs of the nation first.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
