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Mincha continues at  1.00pm at A-P GF/459 Collins, using the WhatsApp group to confirm a minyan each day.

Thought of the Week with thanks to Levi Rosenbaum

The Torah portion of Pinchas offers a powerful exploration of leadership both in the moment and over a lifetime.

At the beginning of the reading, Pinchas steps forward when others hesitate. Though not the obvious leader, he acts decisively to uphold what is right. Similarly, the sons of Korach, after initially following the wrong path, find the courage to do teshuvah. In their final moments, they choose truth over conformity and are ultimately elevated. These episodes teach that leadership is not reserved for those with titles; it can emerge from anyone willing to act with clarity and conviction when the moment demands it.

Later in the reading, we encounter a different model of leadership with Yehoshua, who was chosen as Moshe’s successor. Unlike Moshe’s miraculous leadership, Yehoshua’s role is to guide the people into the physical reality of the Land of Israel. His qualification is not charisma and miracles, but humility, selflessness and total devotion to G-d and the Jewish people.

From these models, we learn that true leadership combines initiative with humility. Each of us are presented with moments specifically designed for us to take the lead. When we do so, we hasten and merit the ultimate leadership of Moshiach who will transform these days of darkness to everlasting light.

Shabbat shalom!