Moshe’s Great Midot

Rabbi Twerski analyzed the character of Moshe Rabbeinu in his early years, and what allowed him to emerge as the leader of the Jewish people.

He learned the trait of מסירות נפש, of giving of himself, from his adopted mother, Batya. He felt the pain of his brethren when the Torah said, וירא בסבלנותם, that he saw their suffering. It is possible to sympathize, empathize, or identify, with the suffering of others. Moshe was on the level where he identified, the highest level of interaction with another in pain.

He was very concerned for his older brother Aharon’s honor. He didn’t want to accept his position as Jewish leader if his brother would be slighted in any way.

He made sure to ask permission of his father in-law, Yitro, before returning to Egypt in his new role. Even in his confrontation with Pharoah, Moshe showed the evil king respect, because of the years that Egypt treated Israel well.

So we see that every step of the way, Moshe Rabbeinu demonstrated exemplary Midot. This is the secret of the emergence of a great leader.