Democracy, Dissent and Leadership Responsibility


 

Publication Date: June 2009

Publisher: American Jewish Committee

Author(s): Steven Bayme

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Public policies; Spirituality; Leadership; Jewish Text

Type: Other

Abstract:

The author examines the story told in the Book of Numbers (11:24-29) in which Moses delegates authority to seventy elders, two of which begin to prophesy in the camp, and are criticized by Joshua and vindicated by Moses. The author cites rabbinic commentaries upon this story to draw contemporarily applicable lessons relating to leadership, delegation, and tolerance for dissent.