אִם יִרְצֶה הַשֵּׁם
Torah chiour
The Leader Matches the Level of the People
Rav Yosef Mizrachi chlita uses striking current events the erratic statements of political leaders and the self-inflicted suffering of sports fans to teach a fundamental Torah principle: the "face" (character and behavior) of the leader is determined by the spiritual and moral level of the generation and the people.
The Rav explains that in every community, city, country, and in the world at large, the face of the leader reflects the level of the people.
- If you have a good yeshiva with 300 serious, righteous learners, Hashem will send them the best matching leader .. someone who fits their high level.
- If the people are at a low level, inconsistent, and "liberal" in the negative sense, they will get a leader who matches that: erratic, changing positions constantly, and lacking consistency.
"The fish stinks from the head." The expression means that problems and corruption begin with the leaders and then spread to the body and tail. But according to the Torah, it goes both ways: the level of the people determines the kind of leader they receive.
In Hebrew we have the expression that the face of the leader is based on the level of the people. If the people are serious and elevated, they merit an elevated leader. If the generation is low, the leader will reflect that lowliness.
The Rav gives an example from recent news:
One moment Trump says about Iran: "We are doing very well. Fantastic. The Iranians are great. We are going to have an agreement in a day or two."
Ten minutes later, reports come in that they started to bomb in Iran.
"Every hour it's a different Trump. It's getting upgrade, downgrade. It's like the stock market. One minute you up, two minutes you down. You don't know what to expect."
"So Trump technically it's the leader of the people, the nation of Israel, to people... If the people are liberals, that's what they get."
The Rav emphasizes that this is not random. The leader's face (his policies, his words, his consistency or lack thereof) is a reflection of the spiritual and moral level of the generation.
The Rav contrasts this with a proper Torah environment:
"you come to a good yeshiva, two 300 learners, everybody's serious, great. ... Hashem is going to get them the best leader. Someone that will match their level."
When the people are elevated and serious about Torah, Hashem provides leadership that matches and sustains that level. The opposite is also true.
Flattery of the Wicked vs. Speaking the Truth
The Rav then transitions to a related and critical topic: how some people and speakers relate to the wicked.
- "speakers. They kiss up to the wicked. We [true speakers] speak harsh and strong to the people"
- "the wicked, they would love him, right?"
- "If you're wicked, love your wickedness."
Some public figures and "speakers" flatter and "kiss up" to wicked people in order to gain fans, popularity, and support. They avoid strong words because they want the wicked to love them.
In contrast, true Torah leaders (the Rav references Rav Avigdor Miller zt"l) speak the unvarnished truth, even when it is harsh.
"20% of the people in the world are people of truth. Jews and [others]."
The majority may want flattery, but a minority remain committed to truth.
Prayer Against the Wicked
The chiour addresses the prayers we recite against the wicked (in the context of the Amidah and related berachot, including discussions of having specific wicked individuals in mind when asking Hashem to "destroy the wicked people").
- "the time the wicked people. Why? Because they want the wicked people to love"
- "Should we have in mind these 15 wicked [individuals]?"
- "destroy the wicked people?"
The Rav discusses the proper intention in these prayers. Some hesitate or want to "love" or spare the wicked for personal reasons (so that the wicked will like them or out of misplaced mercy). The proper approach is to align with the Torah's demand for truth and justice without personal flattery or compromise.
The discussion underscores that we must not let popularity or fear of backlash prevent us from standing on the side of truth when it comes to wickedness.
Practical Mussar and Lessons
- Recognize the reflection: The problems we see in leadership (in politics, communities, or even small groups) often begin with or mirror the spiritual level of the people themselves. Improving the "body" helps merit better "heads."
- Do not kiss up to the wicked: True leadership and true speech require strength. Flattering the wicked for likes, followers, or peace is a common trap.
- Pray with proper intention: When we recite the prayers against the wicked and the forces that oppose Torah, we must do so with clarity and without the desire for the wicked to "love us."
- Be among the 20%: Commit to being part of the minority of people of truth who are willing to speak and live according to Torah even when it is unpopular.
- Reference to Gedolim: Learn from the example of Rav Avigdor Miller zt"l and similar figures who were not afraid to speak strong words against wickedness.
The face of the leader whether in Washington, in our communities, or in our personal lives ultimately reveals where the generation stands. Current events are are mirrors.
At the same time, we have the power and the obligation to speak truth, to pray correctly against wickedness, and to refuse to flatter what the Torah condemns. By raising our own level and refusing to "kiss up," we help merit better leadership and a better future.
May we be among those who stand with truth, speak with strength when needed, and see the fulfillment of our prayers for the destruction of wickedness and the triumph of good.
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