By Alex Bolotovsky, CEO of J Leaders
Parsha in a Nutshell
Moses warns the Israelites: when life gets comfortable in the Land, don’t forget the journey that got you here. He revisits the desert years, the manna, the Golden Calf, the new tablets, and G-d’s faithfulness. His message is simple but sharp: remember your roots, stay connected to the covenant, and don’t let success make you forget what matters.
Digging Deeper
1. Success Amnesia
“Beware… lest you say in your heart, ‘My strength… made me this wealth’” (Deut. 8:17). Moses knows it’s easy to forget your origin story once you’re doing well. Even if you’re not running a team, the same risk applies: once you’re hitting goals or finding your groove, you can lose touch with the lessons, people, and struggles that shaped you. Gratitude isn’t just about being nice, it’s a way to stay real and keep perspective.
2. Listening as Active Engagement
The portion opens: “Because you listen to these laws…” (Deut. 7:12). In Hebrew, shema means more than “hear.” It’s about paying attention, understanding, and then acting on what you’ve taken in. This kind of listening:
- Helps you catch details others miss
- Makes people feel heard and valued
- Builds trust so you can work together more effectively
Listening well is a skill that works sideways (with peers) and upward (with mentors or supervisors), not just downward.
Leadership Takeaway
You don’t need a title to lead. Remembering where you’ve been keeps you grounded. Listening deeply keeps you connected.
Weekly Leadership Challenge
- Reconnect to your story: Think of one moment that shaped who you are today, write it down, or share it with a friend or colleague.
- Practice active listening: In your next conversation, summarize back what you heard before adding your thoughts.
- Name your thanks: Tell one person this week exactly why you appreciate their impact on you.