וידבר ה' אל משה ואל אהרן ויצום אל בני ישראל ואל פרעה מלך מצרים ... (ו-יג)
It is interesting that the posuk in this parsha that talks about Moshe and Aharon’s leadership is perek 6 posuk 13, which together is 613! This is what Torah is all about! Every one of us is a leader. If you are a husband or a wife, a parent or a teacher, a member of your shul or community askan, in some way you are a manhig, a leader, and you must set an example for others. The Shlah HaKadosh sees from this posuk a crucial message to everyone in leadership positions. An authority figure must be careful not to scream or get angry at his constituents. There is great reward for a leader who shepherds his flock with patience and love. Moshe learned this in last week’s parsha, when he was being initiated into his future role as Manhig Yisroel.
My son, R’ Yitzchok Guttman shlita pointed out the following: Hashem said to Moshe, “What is that in your hand?” Moshe answered, “A stick,” as if to say, “I plan to rule with force, to run a tight ship! This stick will keep the people in line and they will be forced to follow my orders.” To this, Hashem responded and said, “Throw down the stick” - throw away this mentality for this is not the way to teach a nation! You must guide My people with patience, love and kindness - not force and strength. This lesson applies to every person, for we are all leaders in one way or another. Some have influence over multitudes, while others have over their friends, neighbors or their own kids.
And yet, the message that Hashem gave to the very first leaders of the Jewish people applies to each and every one of us. A leader must be there for the good of his people and not for his own personal power or pleasure. Even if the nation complains, a leader knows that his people need extra amounts of tolerance and love.
A person once came to the Chazon Ish zt”l with an unreasonable request and prefaced his words with, “Rebbi, please, don’t be angry with me!” The Chazon Ish, a true leader and teacher of Klal Yisroel replied, “In my store, this product does not exist!