Vulnerability and Leadership

MISHNA: In addition to the halakhot relating to the fixed prayers, the Gemara relates: Rabbi Neḥunya ben Hakana would recite a brief prayer upon his entrance into the study hall and upon his exit. They said to him: The study hall is not a dangerous place that would warrant a prayer when entering and exiting, so what room is there for this prayer? He said to them: Upon my entrance, I pray that no mishap will transpire caused by me in the study hall. And upon my exit, I give thanks for my portion.GEMARA:The Sages taught in a baraita the complete formula of Rabbi Neḥunya ben Hakana’s prayer: Upon his entrance, what does he say? May it be Your will, Lord my God, that no mishap in determining the halakha (Jewish Law)transpires caused by me, and that I not fail in any matter of halakha, and that my colleagues, who together with me engage in clarifying the halakha,will rejoice in me. He specified: And that I will neither declare pure that which is impure, nor declare impure that which is pure and that my colleagues will not fail in any matter of halakha, and that I will rejoice in them....

(13) Next day, Moses sat as magistrate among the people, while the people stood about Moses from morning until evening.(14) But when Moses’ father-in-law saw how much he had to do for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing to the people? Why do you act alone, while all the people stand about you from morning until evening?”(15) Moses replied to his father-in-law, “It is because the people come to me to inquire of God.(16) When they have a dispute, it comes before me, and I decide between one person and another, and I make known the laws and teachings of God.”(17) But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing you are doing is not right;(18) you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.(19) Now listen to me. I will give you counsel, and God be with you! You represent the people before God: you bring the disputes before God,(20) and enjoin upon them the laws and the teachings, and make known to them the way they are to go and the practices they are to follow.(21) You shall also seek out from among all the people capable men who fear God, trustworthy men who spurn ill-gotten gain. Set these over them as chiefs of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens,(22) and let them judge the people at all times. Have them bring every major dispute to you, but let them decide every minor dispute themselves. Make it easier for yourself by letting them share the burden with you.

(23) If you do this—and God so commands you—you will be able to bear up; and all these people too will go home unwearied.”(24) Moses heeded his father-in-law and did just as he had said.(25) Moses chose capable men out of all Israel, and appointed them heads over the people—chiefs of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens;