So you wonder, what in the world is the connection between Moses and Gaddafi?? The truth is you’re right; they don’t have much in common. That’s why Gaddafi is on the verge of being overthrown, ending a long dishonorable and tyrannical career. Gaddafi would have been wise to glean some insight from Moses’ example.
The Torah relates in this week’s portion that after the donations and materials for the Tabernacle were collected, Moses presented a detailed accounting of all the gold, silver and other materials. Based on the emphasis placed on this level of accountability that even a trusted leader like Moses was held to, the sages advise all those in charge of communal funds to likewise hold themselves accountable and act in a transparent manner. (This is a message that I take quite seriously myself).
On a more personal level, the Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) tells us that each of us will be held accountable for our actions in this lifetime. We are expected to provide a “din v’cheshbon” (justification and accounting) of our life’s decisions and personal choices.
Pretty heavy, no?
Imagine how our choices would change for the good and how our life would look if we stopped to think before we acted? If we are cognizant of the accountability and responsibility that we each have, it will have a direct and positive influence on our lifestyle, our relationships and our quality of life.