מדרש תנחומא (ורשא) פרשת ניצבים סימן ב
ראשיכם שבטיכם אע"פ שמניתי לכם ראשים זקנים ושוטרים כולכם שוין לפני שנאמר וכל איש ישראל, ד"א כלכם ערבים זה בזה
"The heads of your tribes" (Deuteronomy 29:9) Even though I appointed over you heads, elders, and officers, all of you are equal before Me, for the verse concludes, "All are the people of Israel." Another explanation: for you are all responsible for one another.[translation by AJWS]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. What does the first explanation of the verse that the midrash offers us teach us about leadership?
2. What about the second explanation?
3. According to this midrash, what are the goals of leadership?
Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)