By Alex Bolotovsky, CEO of J Leaders
Parsha in a Nutshell
Parshat Chukat introduces the mysterious ritual of the red heifer, a purification process that even Moses didn’t fully understand. But the parsha’s emotional heart comes later, when the Israelites complain, yet again, about water. In a moment of frustration, Moses strikes a rock instead of speaking to it as G-d instructed. Water flows but Moses is told he won’t enter the Promised Land.
Digging Deeper
Let’s be honest, Moses had been patient for decades. The people were complaining (again), and his sister Miriam had just died. His response is definitely human. But leadership isn’t just about getting results; it’s about how you get them.
Striking the rock worked. The people got water. But in doing so, Moses let frustration take over. G-d had told him to speak to the rock, to model trust and calm in the face of chaos. Instead, he reacted in anger and called the people “rebels.” That moment cost him his dream of entering the Land of Israel.
This story hits hard because it’s not about failure. It’s about what happens when leaders let the pressure get to them.
Leadership Takeaway
Even the best leaders lose their cool. But in moments of pressure, how we respond matters more than what we achieve.
Leadership isn’t just results-driven; it’s values-driven. What you model becomes what others mirror.
Weekly Leadership Challenge
This week, try to lead with intention, even when it’s hard:
- Pause before reacting to frustration or criticism.
- Practice replacing judgmental language with curiosity.
- In one tough moment this week, ask yourself: “What tone do I want to set here?”
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be self-aware.