In Parshat Yitro, we encounter a pivotal moment in Moshe Rabbeinu’s leadership. After leading Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt and through the splitting of the sea, Moshe finds himself overwhelmed with the burden of judging and guiding the people alone. Yitro, his father-in-law, observes this and offers Moshe a profound and prescient insight: “The thing you are doing is not right; you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.” (Shemot 18:17-18). This moment is striking: even Moshe, God’s chosen leader, cannot bear the burden alone. He must enlist the help of others to sustain both himself and the people. This scene teaches us fundamentals of Jewish communal leadership that remain relevant to this day.

Firstly, before this scene, the parsha opens with Moshe’s family — his wife Tzipporah and their sons — coming out to meet him. Yet, the Torah only records Moshe greeting Yitro, without any explicit mention of his reunion with his wife and children. This omission is puzzling. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 27:2) suggests that Moshe’s deep immersion in his leadership role led him to prioritize his national responsibilities over personal ones. This may provide insight into his initial resistance to delegation — he saw himself as indispensable, not just to his family but to the entire people. However, true leadership must also recognize the importance of balancing public and private responsibilities. Just as Yitro teaches Moshe to share the burden of national leadership, this omission warns us of the dangers of neglecting personal relationships in the pursuit of larger goals.

From a psychological perspective, Moshe’s initial solitary approach can be understood as a classic example of a leader bearing the weight of responsibility alone, a common trait in those who feel deeply accountable for their people. Leadership can be isolating, and many leaders struggle with the belief that they must handle everything themselves. The well-known psychologist Dr. Edwin Friedman, in A Failure of Nerve, discusses how leaders often experience anxiety and isolation when they assume that they must solve every problem on their own. Moshe’s eventual shift, following Yitro’s advice, demonstrates the necessity of developing trust and delegation. The ability to share responsibility is not just a practical necessity, but a crucial emotional and psychological adjustment. This is particularly relevant in today’s world, where burnout and stress often afflict those in leadership positions. By allowing others to take part, Moshe not only strengthens his leadership, but also ensures his own well-being and the well-being of the people.

Rashi, citing the Mechilta, emphasizes that Moshe’s actions, while noble, were unsustainable. The phrase “Navol Tibol” (“you will surely wear yourself out”) suggests not just physical exhaustion, but a complete collapse — one that could harm both Moshe and the nation. Again we see that leadership, no matter how great the individual, requires delegation to succeed. The Ramban expands on this, noting that Moshe’s role was not just about dispensing justice, but about teaching Torah and guiding the people’s spiritual development. If he attempted to do everything himself, his effectiveness would diminish. Yitro’s advice was not just practical; it was a lesson in humility and sustainability.

Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch highlights that Yitro’s advice established a key principle of Jewish leadership — shared responsibility. The appointment of judges and officials was not just about efficiency; it created a system in which wisdom and justice could flow through many channels. This model would later shape Jewish communal structures, from the Sanhedrin to modern-day rabbinic leadership. Rav Soloveitchik, in his discussion on leadership, explains that Moshe’s initial approach reflects the idea of gadol ha’metzaveh ve’oseh — the one who is commanded and acts is greater than one who isn’t commanded and acts. As the direct messenger of God, Moshe may have felt an intense obligation to personally lead in every respect. However, Yitro’s insight was that true leadership is not about doing everything alone, but about empowering others to contribute meaningfully.

This lesson extends beyond Moshe and his judges. Nechama Leibowitz, in her Studies in Shemot, points out that the Torah repeatedly highlights the contributions of women in leadership roles, from Miriam guiding the women in faith to Devorah serving as both a prophetess and a judge. Dr. Erica Brown, in her book Leadership in the Wilderness, notes that the Torah’s emphasis on Moshe’s limitations serves as a model for leaders today, including women, to embrace collaboration and communal wisdom. The Midrash Tanchuma on Yitro also teaches that Yocheved and Miriam, Moshe’s mother and sister, were instrumental in shaping his ability to lead, their nurturing, courage, and foresight essential in his development. All of this further reinforces the idea that it takes a village: leadership in Judaism must be shaped by both men and women working together to build a vibrant and equitable community.

True leadership is not about carrying the burden alone, but about knowing when to share it. Moshe’s initial instinct was to bear all responsibility himself, but Yitro taught him that his leadership would be stronger, not weaker, if he empowered others. The Torah’s message is clear: no one, not even Moshe Rabbeinu, can or should lead in isolation. By creating a structure that included the wisdom and efforts of many, Moshe ensured that justice and Torah could be sustained for generations.

This principle is just as relevant today. We live in a world that often glorifies self-reliance, yet the Torah teaches us that true strength lies in knowing when to seek support. Whether in leadership, family, or community, recognizing our limits and embracing collaboration is not a weakness — but rather the foundation of lasting impact. By following Yitro’s wisdom, we can build stronger, more resilient, vibrant, and equitable communities, and in doing so, fulfill our collective mission as Am Yisrael.

Shabbat Shalom ~ Besorot Tovot ~ Am Yisrael Chai