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January 8, 1999/ 20 Tevet 5759, Vol. 51, No. 15
Prince Clinton?
Despite his aspirations, greatness will elude president
MARTY LATZ
Special to Jewish News
He worried incessantly about his historical legacy. What accomplishments would later generations credit to his years in power? Would he be remembered as one of the most productive, destructive, or most ordinary leaders?
Ramses II, according to the animated film "The Prince of Egypt," spent a good deal of time worrying about this. Would he be viewed, in his father's words, as the "weak link" of his dynasty? In the film, this concern governed his actions and reactions to events constantly.
President Bill Clinton, according to former administration officials, also spends a good deal of time worrying about how he will be viewed by history. The answer is becoming clear - he will be remembered as only the second president in U.S. history ever to be impeached.
So what constitutes a great leader, a preeminence neither Ramses nor Clinton is likely to achieve? Moses epitomizes the greatest of our historical leaders.
The Book of Jewish Knowledge sums up Moses' achievement by stating that "(by) his intellectual power and moral will, and with his organizational genius to serve both, he was able to hammer a self-respecting people out of a brutalized conglomeration of former slaves. He taught them to abide by a system of morality and law ... (that was) realistic and practical enough to enable the people who lived by it to cope with the daily problems of living: working, suffering, and striving to create under it a happier and more just society of equals."
How did he do this and what principles might today's leaders garner from his extraordinary contribution to humankind?
Firstly, Moses entered "public" life with a clear goal and vision founded upon a basic moral principle now revered as a fundamental building block to all successful societies: all human beings are created equal.
Secondly, Moses had the necessary intellectual and physical attributes to implement his vision, but he did not place himself above others. Our greatest leaders have been born with certain extraordinary qualities that set them apart from the rest of us. And yet, they do not cloak themselves with arrogance.
Thirdly, Moses could effectively communicate in the language of his times. For some 32 centuries, our people have called him Mosheh Rabbenu - "Moses our Teacher." He received the Torah at Mount Sinai, our greatest inheritance, and based on this, he taught us how to live with others - morally, justly and ethically.
No one can really compare. But everyone can learn from our greatest teacher.
Have a clear goal and vision as to what you want to accomplish - personally, professionally, and, if you have the desire, in public life. Base it on a moral belief or set of principles.
Don't let arrogance overcome your love and respect for your fellow human beings. Arrogance and the notion that you are above the law will almost certainly destroy you.
Finally, try to teach and communicate more effectively. Miscommunication can create intractable problems that may never be rectified.
The "prince" of Egypt is a misnomer. The notion of a "prince" in Egypt, to Jews, conjures up images of hereditary rulers oppressing slaves in a class-based hierarchical society. Moses was no such "prince." But he was the greatest of our leaders. Let's learn from him and hope the leaders of tomorrow learn his fundamental teachings.
Marty Latz is a Valley attorney and negotiation consultant. Send comments to mlatz@negot.com.
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