In public life, being correct is not always a guarantee for success.
This week, U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney told the Brits that he did not feel they were adequately prepared to host the Olympics. Instantly, the tabloids in London pounced on him.
Whether he was right or wrong is irrelevant (he does have some Olympic organizing experience; see Salt Lake City 2002). What matters is that he offended the sensibilities of the English people. And that may cost him dearly.
Sometimes, it’s more important to know your crowd than to be spot-on.
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The opening words of this week’s parsha Devarim – which also serves as the beginning of the final book of the Chumash – are: “These are the words which Moshe spoke to all Israel.” Moshe goes on to lead a lengthy rebuke of the Jewish people, recapping 40 years of complaints and transgression.
Many consider the Book of Devarim (Deuteronomy) to be a somber account prior to Moshe’s passing.
But a famous Chassidic saying looks at it differently.
It was only to the people of Israel that Moshe spoke of their iniquities and failings. To G-d, Moshe spoke only of the virtues of Israel, and justified them no matter what they did.
To the Jews, Moshe could come down hard – for their own benefit. But to G-d and to the rest of the world, the Jewish nation knew no better advocate. Every time they sinned, Moshe went to bat for them, beseeching G-d to forgive them again and again.
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In politics, knowing your crowd might refer to crafting a message based on the audience. But we take our cue from Moshe and recognize that admonition is appropriate when it is directed internally. Even when it is necessary, it is done behind closed doors.
In spousal relationships, parenting and work environments we may – at times – need to resort to reprimanding someone. But to the rest of the world, we will remain their most ardent supporters.
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As we approach Tisha B’Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, we look with introspection at the strife that caused the destruction of our Holy Temple.
But we also look with pride at our people and their endurance. And our hearts are brimming with anticipation for the day when we will once again celebrate in our rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. May it be speedily in our days.