Education and its Impact on Leadership

“A leader who educates empowers others to carry forward the vision, ensuring its endurance”

Parashat Bo marks a pivotal moment in the story of the Exodus, as HaShem commands Moshe to deliver the final three plagues and prepares the Israelites for their liberation. Central to this parashah is the mitzvah of recounting the story of the Exodus to future generations, as seen in the commandment: "On that day, you must tell your child, It is because of this that HaShem acted for me when I left Egypt" (Shemot 13:8). This mitzvah emphasizes education as a foundation for leadership and continuity.

The Torah anticipates that children will ask questions, and it commands parents to respond with a clear, meaningful explanation. This directive highlights a core principle of Jewish education: chinuch (education) is not passive but proactive, requiring preparation, thought, and engagement.

The commandment to tell the story of the Exodus annually ensures that the lessons of freedom, faith, and HaShem’s justice are never forgotten. The Seder, as we know it today, is structured around engaging the youngest participants, sparking curiosity through rituals, and encouraging dialogue. This dynamic approach underscores that true education is more than transferring information; it’s about fostering curiosity and creating meaningful conversations that inspire lifelong learning.

The Torah repeatedly stresses the importance of remembering the Exodus. But memory in Judaism is not passive; it requires active transmission. Through rituals like eating matzah and avoiding chametz, (leaven), parents are given the sacred responsibility to teach their children the values of freedom, faith, and Divine providence. Education here is not just about information; it is about shaping identity. It connects the past to the present and future, creating a sense of belonging to something greater.

For leaders, this is a significant message: true leadership ensures that the mission and values of a community are instilled in its members. A leader who educates empowers others to carry forward the vision, ensuring its endurance.

Moshe emerges as the ultimate leader in Parashat Bo. His leadership highlights the power of faith in guiding a people through uncertainty. He demonstrates steadfastness and vision, even in the face of Pharaoh’s stubbornness and the challenges of his own people. What makes Moshe’s leadership so transformative is his unwavering commitment to HaShem’s mission and his people’s future. A true leader educates by embodying the values they wish to impart, inspiring trust and commitment.

One of the defining characteristics of Moshe’s leadership is his focus on the collective and the long term. When Pharaoh attempts to negotiate compromises–offering to let the men go but not the women and children (Exodus 10:8-11)--Moshe rejects this. He insists that everyone, young and old, must leave together because the destiny of the nation depends on unity. Moshe, a true leader, understands that the future rests with the children, and their spiritual and physical freedom is non-negotiable..

Moshe exemplifies the model of a leader who not only takes action but also prepares others for responsibility. While HaShem performs the miracles, Moshe acts as the intermediary who interprets and implements Divine commands. Importantly, he involves the people--teaching them how to prepare the lamb for the Pesach offering and marking their doorposts with blood. This teaches that leadership is not about doing everything alone; it is about equipping others to participate in their own redemption.

Additionally, the Torah  teaches us that leadership involves empowering others to carry the mission forward. The institution of the Pesach ritual as an eternal commandment shows that leadership is not about one person but about creating a system and culture that endures beyond the leader’s lifetime. By embedding the Exodus narrative into the national consciousness, the Torah ensures that every Jew becomes a “teacher” and that the story of liberation lives on through the ages.

The intersection of education and leadership is clear in Parashat Bo: leaders must be teachers, and teachers must lead by example. Leaders must prioritize the education of the next generation, ensuring that they inherit not only knowledge but also values and a sense of purpose. At the same time, educators are leaders in their own right, shaping the minds and hearts of future leaders. The command to recount the story of the Exodus teaches that leadership is not about control but about creating a culture of shared knowledge, responsibilities, and purpose. It challenges us, as leaders and educators, to create a vision of the future that is rooted in timeless values. This lesson resonates deeply for parents, teachers, and anyone entrusted with guiding others.

Whether in our roles as parents, teachers, or community leaders, we are all tasked with the responsibility of shaping the next generation. From Parashat Bo, we learn to engage others with curiosity and dialogue, to create rituals and traditions that reinforce our values, and to lead with a vision that goes beyond our immediate circumstances.

In our own lives, Parashat Bo challenges us to reflect on how we educate those around us, not just with words, but with actions; how we lead by empowering others to take ownership of their roles. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we can emulate Moshe by developing a legacy rooted in values, resilience, and faith.

May we be inspired to teach and lead with purpose, ensuring that the lessons of our shared past illuminate the path forward for generations to come. May we, like Moshe, lead with clarity and compassion, and may we, like the generations before us, pass on our values and wisdom so that the story of our people continues to inspire and transform the world.