The one who led the Israelites out of Egypt, received the Ten Commandments…even he had moments where he had to turn to a higher power for guidance.

The Legends of the Jews, that incredible compilation of rabbinic stories and lore assembled by Louis Ginzberg, tells us about a few instances where Moses couldn't reach a judgment on his own. He had to appeal to God.

There were two specific situations, aside from others, where this happened. First, there was the claim of Zelophehad's daughters. Their father had passed away, and they wanted to know if they were entitled to his inheritance. Then there was the issue of those who were ritually unclean (tamei in Hebrew) and therefore barred from participating in the offering of the paschal lamb, the Korban Pesach, during Passover. They wanted to know if there was an exception for them.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Ginzberg tells us that Moses actually approached God with different levels of urgency in these matters. He was quick to ask about the daughters of Zelophehad and the ritually unclean. But there were two other cases, unmentioned in the text you provided, that he took his time with. Why? Because those other cases involved matters of life and death. Human lives hung in the balance. He understood the gravity of those situations.

And in this, Moses set a precedent. He showed the judges of Israel – and by extension, leaders in every generation – that civil cases should be handled swiftly, while criminal cases, those with the highest stakes, demand careful, deliberate consideration. Think about that for a moment. A leader prioritizing thoughtful deliberation over speed when lives are on the line.

But there's another crucial lesson here. In all these instances, Moses openly admitted that he didn't know the answer. He didn't pretend to have all the wisdom himself. And that, my friends, is a profound act of humility. He taught the judges of Israel, and us, that there's no shame in seeking counsel, in admitting when you're unsure. It's not a sign of weakness, but of strength and wisdom. As we find in Midrash Rabbah, true leadership isn't about knowing everything, but about knowing where to find the answers and having the courage to ask.

So, the next time you’re faced with a difficult decision, remember Moses. Remember that even the greatest leaders seek guidance. And remember that sometimes, the most important thing is to admit, "I don't know," and then seek wisdom from others.