Leaders must have the courage to try new things, build new edifices and achieve new heights. At the same time they must be open to the reality that they will encounter problems along the way. Rather than giving up in the face of these obstacles, they must persevere. If the cause is good, then learn and improve from the setbacks and keep moving forward. It is related that when General Lee heard that Grant was moving south and coming after him, despite his horrific losses at the Battle of the Wilderness, he commented that it was only a matter of time until the Confederacy lost the war. Once he faced a general who wouldn’t give up – no matter what—Lee realized he stood little chance of winning.
My we as a nation learn from our setbacks and merit speedily in our day to build our Beit HaMikdash for its final and everlasting time.
Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg is the principal of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Middle Division. Comments can be emailed to him at [email protected].