Moshe Rabbeinu: Great Enough to Share the Spotlight

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Like to share with you a deep fundamental ideological paradox.

If Hashem is infinite, how can we exist?

If Hashem exists, how can the universe exist?

In every point in space, the infinite meaning Hashem

should consume the finite everything else.

So how do we understand the concept of Ayn-Oid-Mavade

where there's no existence besides Hashem?

When we see physical entities occupying our universe.

If as we say no lehno, M is small k no f is illosa,

there's nothing besides Hashem, then there should be no independent existence besides Hashem.

Yet, there's matter, including humanity, that occupies space.

So how's that possible?

Let me explain the question with a mathematical analogy.

A hundred plus one is a hundred and one.

A billion plus one, a billion and one.

These examples you get in addition when added together.

But what about infinity plus one?

Or infinity plus one billion?

It is still infinity.

Because when dealing with infinity, nothing else can exist.

Everything blends into infinity.

Infinity by nature makes no room for anything else.

So if God is infinity, how can we exist?

The very existence of Hashem should subsume everything in its vicinity.

So there's a fascinating mystical idea from the Riyakadash.

He authored the concept that he coined Simpson,

self-restriction or self-limitation.

He said that in order for the universe to exist,

Hashem had to conceal himself.

He had to condense or constrict his presence

and in limit his being, so to speak,

to make room for other matter to exist.

Says the Riyakadash, that act gave us room to exist.

This novel concept is called Simpson.

And just as Hashem practices Simpson

and restricts himself to make room for others,

this serves as a model for human leaders as well.

Effective leadership requires the leader to restrict himself

and make room for others to shine as well.

And now perhaps we understand why Moshe's name is admitted

from Pasha's Deceva.

Pasha's Deceva talks about Kahuna.

The protagonist of Pasha's Deceva is Aharnakayan.

The spotlight is Aharn.

So the reason Moshe's name is not mentioned

is precisely because Moshe took a step back

in order not to overshadow his brother.

He constricted himself to give Aharn an opportunity to shine.

So Moshe's name does not appear in Pasha's Deceva.

This is not a negative of Moshe,

but rather it's showing us the greatness of Moshe,

emulating Hashem's concept of Simpson.

I remember being at a concert once

and witnessing this idea being acted out in real life.

Towards the end of the concert,

the lead singer stepped away from the microphone

and he invited the member of the band

to take Stenter's stage

and perform a solo song all by himself.

The lead singer introduced him by name

and he shared some background about this man,

allowing the audience to connect with him

on a personal level.

Then he graciously stepped back,

giving this band member a few minutes

to shine and showcase his talent.

He allowed him a few minutes in the spotlight.

A few moments earlier,

he was just an anonymous person,

part of a band,

and now all of a sudden everyone knows his name.

He just gave the 100,000 new followers.

The lead singer, the person headlining the event,

constricted his presence

to give someone else a chance to shine.

And that is Simpson.

The highest achievement is not self-expression,

but self-limitation,

making space for someone else.

The happiest marriages of those in which each spouse

makes space for the other to be themselves.

This concept applies to parenting as well.

Great parents make space for their children.

Great teachers make space for their students.

Great leaders make space for their followers.

They are there when needed,

but they don't smother or dominate them.

They practice Simpson so that others

have the space to grow and shine.

The concept of Simpson is the way a Shem created the universe,

and was the only way for it to maintain its existence.

And this is the model for us to emulate as well.

They say that the mark of a good leader

is someone who davens for you.

However, a great leader is someone who teaches you

how to daven for yourself.

He gives you the tools to be self-sufficient.

He gives you the opportunity to express yourself.

Someone once said,

good leaders make good followers.

Great leaders create other leaders.

The smaller the ego, the greater the leader.

And this is the lesson we learn from the greatest leader of all.

Mosher Rebeno.

And now we know.

Have a wonderful day.

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