Torah Thoughts on Parshas Vayikra by Rabbi Daniel Kanter, Director of Student Affairs, FYHS
"אִם הַכֹּהֵן הַמָּשִׁיחַ יֶחֱטָא...אֲשֶׁר נָשִׂיא יֶחֱטָא" וַיִקְרָא ד':ג',כ''ב
“If the anointed Kohen will sin...When a ruler sins.” Vayikra 4:3,22
In discussing the precepts of the Korban Chatas in Parashas Vayikra, the Torah specifies four categories of people: a Kohen, all Bnei Yisrael, a Nasi, and an individual. The language used to introduce each is consistent for a Kohen, Bnei Yisrael, and an individual, employing the term "אִם" – "if" – a sin is committed. However, when introducing a Nasi, the verse begins with the word "אֲשֵׁר" – “when” – a Nasi sins. This linguistic distinction raises the question: Why does the Torah automatically assume that an individual in a position of power will sin?
The erosion of trust in our leaders is unfortunately widespread in modern times. Nevertheless, the Torah acknowledges the inevitability of leaders committing unintentional sins. Rashi and Sforno, among others, highlight this inevitability, with Rashi suggesting that "אֲשֶׁר" – “when" – alludes to ”אֲשְׁרֵי" – “fortunate”, indicating that a generation is fortunate whose leader seeks to do teshuvah for even his unintentional sins, as that leader will focus on his intentional sins as well.
Rabbeinu Bachya adds that rulers often succumb to arrogance and haughtiness. Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk in the Meshech Chochmah builds upon this idea and answers our question, noting that while a Kohen or a judge operates within objective halachos and regulations, a political leader is often subject to the fluctuating desires of the populace. This dynamic can lead leaders to prioritize personal and political interests over adherence to halachah and Torah principles.
Throughout Jewish history, from the era of the Shoftim to the present day, there have been leaders who have prioritized their own agendas over Torah values. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to pray for leaders who are guided by a higher moral authority rather than mere self-interest and the fallibility of their constituents. For, as the famous phrase goes: “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”