By Alex Bolotovsky, CEO of J Leaders
Parsha in a Nutshell
This week’s parsha is a whirlwind, 74 mitzvot (commandments), the most of any parsha. We get laws about war, donkeys, family, business, rooftops, refugees, workers, lost objects, you name it. On the surface, it’s a grab bag of trivial, overly detailed commandments. Underneath? It’s one big message: how you handle the “everyday stuff” is what makes or breaks you. Trust is built on details.
Digging Deeper
1. Integrity Under Pressure
The parsha starts in the chaos of war (Deut. 21:10). Even there, the Torah insists: treat people with dignity. No excuses, no “war rules are different.” The point? Leadership isn’t just about being noble on a good day, it’s about staying grounded when things get messy.
2. Taking Care of the Details Sets You up for the Big Stuff
Lost donkey in the street? Return it (22:1). Built a house? Put a railing on the roof so no one gets hurt (22:8). Honest weights in your bag? Non-negotiable (25:13–16). These aren’t glamorous commandments, they’re guardrails. They remind us that trust isn’t built in speeches or big moments; it’s built in the little choices people barely notice.
Leadership Takeaway
Leadership shows up in the details. The small decisions (returning what’s not yours, protecting people’s safety, being fair, etc.) are what prove your character. Big vision gets attention. Small consistency builds trust!
Weekly Leadership Challenge
- Focus on the Details: Notice one “small” decisions this week and choose integrity, even if no one else would notice.
- Keep someone safe: Literally or metaphorically, put a railing on your roof. What’s one simple action that protects others in your space?
- Do the unsexy thing: Return the email. Submit the timesheet and receipts. Update the budget. Do the training. It’s not glamorous but it builds your rep.
The little things aren’t little, they’re the building blocks of leadership.