The “Humility” Game

Walking into the empty sanctuary of his synagogue, a rabbi was suddenly possessed by a wave of mystical rapture, and he threw himself onto the ground before the Ark proclaiming, “Lord, I’m nothing!”

Seeing the rabbi in such a state, the cantor felt profoundly moved by similar emotions. He too threw himself down in front of the Ark proclaiming, “Lord, I’m nothing!”

Then, way in the back of the synagogue, the janitor threw himself to the ground, and he too shouted, “Lord, I am nothing.”

Seeing this, the rabbi turned to the cantor and whispered, “Look who thinks he’s Nothing!”

***

Was Moshe (Moses) humble? That’s a great question. At first glance, it seems not, what with talking to G-d on a daily basis, being the first leader of the Jewish a nation and all. That wouldn’t quite fit the recipe for humility.

Yet consider our politicians with snub noses broadcasting their accomplishments all night and day, and then ask the question again: was Moshe humble?

The answer is a resounding yes – so much so, in fact, that the Torah tells us that Moshe was the most humble human to walk on the face of the earth! Does this sound surreal, that politics and humility should go hand in hand?

Let’s take an inner look at the definition of humility.

Webster’s dictionary defines humble as “not proud or haughty; not arrogant or assertive.” It does not mention low self esteem, or a trait in which one doesn’t recognize his strengths and potential. This is because humility absolutely doesn’t mean sacrificing one’s strengths and capabilities on the altar of self-nullification.

You’re talented? Good, use those gifts to their utmost, excel and be the best you can be in your field, be it academic, artistic, interpersonal or any other area of expertise.

BUT… and here comes the catch: always remember that all you posses come from On High. You can not claim credit for your looks, charisma or brains. You didn’t earn them, and are therefore in no way superior to those who lack those talents. Had they received your talents they might have surpasses you.

Humility is strength, not weakness. When faced with a challenge, do not run for cover crying, “I can’t stand up to the test!” That is not humility; it is just plain old fashioned laziness.

And so perhaps we can give humility a new definition: “G-dly ego.” Such an ego is born of true self-esteem, for it is the esteem of the real self, the G-dly soul that is the source of all vitality. It is an ego in whose way nothing can stand, one before which walls crumble and enemies are defeated.

It is the stuff of which a Moshe is made.