Shavuos – Be the Shepherd Not the Flock

May 28, 2009 | Comments 0

Yes, I know that Shavuos is the time for Kabbolas HaTorah. Learning in Kollel is the ultimate Kabbolas HaTorah where one “throws from upon himself all the cheshbonos horabim which others seek…” (Rambam, end of Hil. Shmitta), I’ve heard this many times during my life.

Shavuos is also the yahrtzeit of Dovid Hamelech. There are many things that we can learn from Dovid HaMelech which are so very applicable in today’s age.

Dovid was a shepherd. A shepherd leaves society and goes to lead a flock of sheep. Sheep, by their very nature, are followers. Each one does exactly what the next one is doing, whether or not it makes sense or reason. Shepherds, on the other hand, are there to protect the sheep from themselves. If one sheep strays too far, the entire flock will follow. The shepherd is there to prevent the followers from destorying themselves.

Dovid HaMelech was a fearless leader, one who stood in the forefront of his nation and ensured that they stayed loyal to Hashem and the Torah. When it was time to fight battles, he did not shirk his leadership but instead went out in front of the armies to attack the enemy. When there were breaches in the conduct of his people, he did not fail to rebuke them or stand up to them, without regard to his political standing.

The Brisker Rav in Parshas Chayei Sara notes that Dovid HaMelech is an example of R’ Shimon bar Yochai’s approach to how a yid should conduct his life, relying solely on Hashem for sustenance. It follows then, that being a leader does not contradict being fully reliant on Hashem. On the contrary, it makes it much easier. If one is a follower, his faith is more strongly based on the next person than towards Hashem.

How can you be a leader? The answer is simple: Don’t be a follower. Stop doing things just because everyone else is. Stop tripping over the other guy. If you feel like doing something – and you honestly feel that its right – do it. You’ll feel so liberated after doing so.

Example: When everyone is lining up by Mendel Rabinowitz’s house with their lulavim and esrogim for his “approval ratings”, why not just skip it? Be a leader – and decide that your own decison is good enough for you, thank you very much.

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