Daphna Levin-Kahn – Head of Jewish Studies High School

Integrity and Trust – Dugma Ishit – setting an example – (Pekudei, Shemot (Exodus), Chapter 38 פקודי)

“Power corrupts; Absolute power corrupts absolutely” ~19^th Century British Politician, Lord Acton.

This is often so disheartening, especially when the corruption or lack of integrity is demonstrated by a person in high political office or, in our Western culture, even by celebrities. We hold them in extra high regard and have far greater expectations of them, as we want our leaders to be people we can emulate and trust.

In Judaism, and a special focus at Emanuel School, is the concept of דוגמה אישית/Dugma Ishit. This concept of being a “personal example”, or a role model, is something we aim for in all our students, but especially the leaders, in all areas of school life and outside; whether they are Madrichim or captains of their sport team, SRC leaders or the strongest players in a lunchtime basketball game.

In this final Parasha of Sefer Shemot, the Mishkan, the mobile desert temple or Tabernacle, is ready at last to be assembled for the first time, dedicated to God and ready for the Divine Presence to rest in the Ohel Mo’ed, the Tent of Meeting.

The Torah teaches us a Jewish perspective on leadership in the first verse of our Parasha, Pekudei (Shemot/Exodus 38:21)

“אֵ֣לֶּה פְקוּדֵ֤י הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ מִשְׁכַּ֣ן הָעֵדֻ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר פֻּקַּ֖ד עַל־פִּ֣י מֹשֶׁ֑ה…”
“These are the records of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle of the Pact, which were drawn up at Moshe’s bidding…”

Following this statement is a meticulous inventory of the precise quantities of every material, artefact and precious stone and metal that was donated by the B’nei Yisrael for the building of the mobile temple. The Midrash suggests that some of the people amongst the nation did not trust Moshe with all these riches, after all, why would he not take some for himself? Who would miss a diamond or two or a golden goblet? Why not abuse his position of power? “These are the records of the tabernacle” introduces a public accounting – Moshe publicises here that every single item donated by the people went directly to the Mishkan project.

“This is what we should expect from our leaders; a full accounting of every penny, every political interest and every personal consideration that compromises the public good. But the Midrash also makes clear what our elected officials should expect from us. The people are not criticised or punished for questioning Moshe’s honesty. Instead, they receive an immediate and public response from their leader.” (Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Text Messages, A Torah Commentary for Teens)

Sefer Shemot, the Book of Exodus, begins with the Bn’ei Yisrael in their darkest moment in the Torah – suffering great oppression and discrimination at the hands of the Egyptions. Yet it ends in a moment of collective triumph and light – as we have learned together over the past few weeks, the whole nation has been part of the lengthy process of building this beautiful, glorious and holy place, guided by leaders who demonstrate integrity and trustworthiness, to create a space where God’s presence can be with the people.  

May our world leaders seek to emulate this leadership style and may we all work together to build a glorious world of peace, to create a holy space for God and Humanity to shine.

Shabbat Shalom