When we first meet Moshe Rabbeinu, he is a shepherd tending to Yisro’s flock. During the episode of the Burning Bush, Moshe sees a bush is aflame but isn’t being consumed. He moves closer to inspect and it’s that moment that Hashem calls out: “Do not come closer.” Moshe Rabbeinu is intrigued by the site of something supernatural and is drawn towards it. Hashem tells Moshe that he needn’t come any closer to engage with kedusha.
The lesson is that to aspire to greatness in leadership, we need to realize that the kedusha; the greatness, is everywhere. Not just in the burning bush or the heavenly voice. After Moshe is charged with the mission of leading the Exodus, he asks Hashem for help with three things: “Why should they listen?” “Whom should I say sent me?” and “But I am not a convincing leader; I am a poor orator.”
To the first concern, Hashem “acknowledges” the problem and offers Moshe Rabbeinu signs that he can show the nation of Israel to convince them. To the second, once again Hashem acknowledges the problem and gives Moshe Rabbeinu a name which will represent an attribute of Hashem that speaks to the current plight of His chosen people.
But to the third issue, the one that speaks to Moshe Rabbeinu’s own feelings of inadequacy, Hashem responds firmly: “I made you imperfect and I am saying that you can and will succeed.” True leaders aren’t perfect, and it’s despite or perhaps because of those imperfections, that their leadership is effective.
