The Next President Should Be Like Moses

In November, the American public will, once again, have the awesome responsibility of choosing who will lead the world's most powerful nation. The candidates' party affiliation, experience and stance on the issues are, of course, among the key factors to be taken into account in making our decision. But what are the personal attributes that we should be looking for in our President? What are the individual characteristics that make an exceptional leader? To help us determine that, it may behoove us to look back, way back. For religious ideals aside, the bible offers us some of the best examples of individuals whose attributes would make them outstanding leaders even today.

Joseph, sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers, emerged triumphant, in part, because he was able to adapt to every situation and formulate the correct response within that reality. He knew how to interpret dreams and interact with prisoners, and yet he also knew how to behave respectfully and advise the Pharaoh of Egypt. He knew when to say "no" and run away from his master's wife who tried to seduce him, and yet marry her daughter and feel comfortable with the mother-in-law who behaved improperly toward him in the past. He knew how to allow his brothers to reach a full remorseful transformation, regretting the deeds that sent Joseph into exile in Egypt and causing great pain to their father. Rather than taking vengeance upon them, he waited for the moment when he was assured that they had fully repented for their deeds before revealing himself to them, and creating a complete rapprochement. He ruled as the popular Viceroy of Egypt (both during flourishing times and times of famine), because he planned thoughtfully for the future crisis and thus resiliently saved the nation through his foresight.