Rabbi Yekusiel Kalmenson shares a touching story from the life of the Rebbe Rashab and applies it to the teachings of Parsha Pinchas. The Rebbe Rashab grew up playing a game with his brother, pretending to be a rebbe and a chassid. One day, when his younger brother asked for penance for a mistake he made, the Rebbe Rashab replied with advice, but his brother was not satisfied. He explained that a rebbe’s critique is always preceded by empathy and concern – a rebbe is bothered by his chassid’s mistake.
The story serves as a reminder of a beautiful teaching from Parsha Pinchas. When Pinchas heroically stood up for the honor of Hashem by killing an offender, he did not do so with a spear in his hand, brimming with judgment. Rather, he had to find a weapon, indicating that his actions were an imposed reaction that he knew to be right, but not his first option. His reward was becoming a kohen, a man of kindness entrusted with the responsibility of blessing the Jewish nation.
Rabbi Kalmenson emphasizes that true leadership is not just about our actions, but also our reactions. People don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care. It is the sigh, the pain that accompanies the rebuke, that ensures its effectiveness. The power of empathy is what makes a rebbe a true leader, and a zealot like Pinchas a kohen.
This video offers a timeless lesson on the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in our interactions with others. Join Rabbi Kalmenson and discover the power of empathy in becoming a true leader in your community. Wishing you a wonderful Shabbas.
