Humility, Greatness, and the Strength of Purpose

This past Thursday night, I attended a wedding. Amid the joy and celebration, upon hearing that Israel just attacked Iran, someone sitting next to me remarked, “I guess all the rabbis are going to have to rip up and rewrite their drashot for Shabbat.” Not me. I had already planned to speak about Moshe Rabbenu and humility, a topic that resonates deeply with Israel’s stunning attack against Iran.

A Rabbi’s Lesson on Humility

There’s a classic story of a rabbi who gave a guest lecture at a prominent synagogue. After the talk, a congregant approached him and said, “Rabbi, that was the most profound and inspiring talk I’ve ever heard!” The rabbi, attempting humility, replied, “Thank you, but all the credit goes to God.” The congregant paused and added, “Well, it wasn’t that good.”

This humorous exchange captures a universal challenge: balancing self-confidence with humility. We know humility is a virtue, yet self-worth is essential for our mental health, motivation, and ability to achieve. So how do we reconcile these two values? The Torah offers profound insights, particularly in the story of Moshe, Aaron, and Miriam in this week’s parsha.

Moshe Rabbenu: The Humblest of All

At the end of the parsha, Aaron and Miriam criticize Moshe, questioning why he receives special treatment regarding the Kushite woman he married. The Torah responds:

“וְהָאִישׁ מֹשֶׁה עָנָו מְאֹד מִכֹּל הָאָדָם אֲשֶׁר עַל־פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה”
“And the man Moshe was exceedingly humble, more than any person on the face of the earth.” (במדבר י״ב:ג׳)

This response raises two essential questions:

1. Why is Moshe’s humility mentioned here? What does it have to do with Aaron and Miriam’s criticism?

2. What does it mean to be “exceedingly humble”? Surely Moshe, who spoke directly to God, knew his unique greatness. Was his humility a denial of his abilities?

Redefining Humility

To understand Moshe’s humility, we need to rethink what humility really means. The Netziv explains that humility isn’t about denying your strengths or pretending you’re ordinary. Moshe knew he was unique. True humility, however, is about not seeking personal recognition or honor. It’s about using your talents in service of a higher purpose, without needing external validation.

The Gemara in Sotah (מט:ב) provides a fascinating example. After the Mishna notes that humility ceased with the death of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, Rav Yosef comments:

“לא תיתני ענוה דאיכא אנא”
“Don’t include humility, because there’s still me.”

At first, this seems contradictory. How can someone proclaim their own humility? But Rav Yosef wasn’t boasting. He was teaching us that humility doesn’t mean denying your worth; it means understanding your value and dedicating it to serving others.

Humility in Action

This brings us back to Aaron and Miriam. The Torah emphasizes Moshe’s humility to clarify that their critique missed the point. Moshe wasn’t elevating himself. He wasn’t concerned with his own honor; his sole focus was fulfilling his mission as an eved Hashem, a servant of God.

The phrase:

“וַיִּשְׁמַע ה׳”
“And God heard” (במדבר י״ב:ב׳)

underscores that while Moshe didn’t defend himself, God stepped in to vindicate him. True humility is a quiet confidence rooted in purpose. It’s not about self-effacement but about thinking of oneself less and focusing on the mission at hand.

A National Lesson in Humility

This lesson applies not only to individuals but to nations. Israel, like Moshe, embodies a humility that isn’t about lowliness but about unwavering dedication to a higher mission.

The challenges Israel faces are immense, with tragic losses and ongoing threats. We must pray for its safety, perform mitzvot in its merit, and recognize the miraculous nature of its achievements. At the same time, we should remember that Israel’s strength doesn’t come from seeking international approval. It comes from its commitment to its purpose: to defend its people, fulfill its destiny, and rise like a lion, as the Torah describes:

“אַשְׁרֶיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל מִי כָּמוֹךָ עַם נוֹשַׁע בַּה׳ מָגֵן עֶזְרֶךָ וַאֲשֶׁר־חֶרֶב גַּאֲוָתֶךָ וְיִכָּחֲשׁוּ אֹיְבֶיךָ לָךְ וְאַתָּה עַל־בָּמוֹתֵימוֹ תִדְרֹךְ”
“O happy Israel! Who is like you, A people delivered by Hashem, Your protecting Shield, your Sword triumphant! Your enemies shall come cringing before you, And you shall tread on their backs.” (דברים ל״ג:כ״ט)

Staying Focused on Our Mission

Moshe Rabbenu teaches us that humility isn’t about diminishing ourselves. It’s about aligning ourselves with God’s expectations. As individuals, this means focusing less on how we are perceived and more on what we are called to do. As a nation, it means acting with confidence and purpose, unshaken by external judgments.

May we draw inspiration from Moshe’s humility and Israel’s courage. Let us celebrate its achievements, support its mission, and pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters. Together, we can embody the strength and humility that define greatness.