Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom

The Torah speaks often in collective terms — “you shall appoint,” “take for yourselves,” “the people shall give.” But in any real Jewish community, from Lakewood to Chicago to Antwerp, we all know the truth: the majority of people are just trying to make it through the day.

They come to shul, daven, pay tuition, pay bills. But they don’t vote, they don’t organize, and they’re not on any boards. So who exactly is the Torah talking to when it says “you shall appoint leaders over yourselves”?

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Torah Structure: Not a Democracy, But Not a Dictatorship

> “Take for yourselves men who are wise, understanding, and known to your tribes, and I will place them as heads over you.” — Devarim 1:13

This is not democracy. It’s a hierarchy, but one that depends on recognition by the people. The leaders must be “known to your tribes” — meaning there must be some level of grassroots awareness. But let’s be honest — in most communities, even in the time of Moshe, it was probably a minority that actively cared.

So the Torah is speaking ideally, calling on people to engage — but the reality has always been that only a handful step up.

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The 10-15% Minority That Runs the Show

Walk into any shul or Jewish nonprofit, and the breakdown is the same:

5% are the drivers — loud voices, big donors, or true believers.

15% show up when asked.

The rest? They keep their heads down, come for a kiddush, write a check once a year, and just want to be left alone.

This isn’t a modern issue. It’s built into the system. That’s why Chazal say:

> “In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.” — Pirkei Avos 2:5

The Torah assumes most people won’t lead. But it urges those who can to step up.

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Why Does the Torah Speak to Everyone Then?

Because the Torah believes in collective spiritual responsibility. Whether or not you speak at meetings or donate large sums, you are part of the kehilla — and you are spiritually tied to its outcomes. That’s arvus.

So even if 90% of the people don’t lead, the Torah holds all accountable. It’s not naïve — it’s calling the silent majority to wake up.

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So Is the Torah System Communistic? Socialist?

It looks like it — but it’s not.

The Torah mandates giving, tithes, shared infrastructure, and communal responsibility.

But it also guarantees private property, individual inheritance, and hierarchy of kedusha.

This isn’t Marx. This is Sinai.

The Torah model is shared obligation without erasing the individual. It’s not about flattening society. It’s about raising society through mitzvah, not coercion.

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Gray Zones, Conflicting Opinions, and the Myth of Unity

Every Jew has a different take. Ask 100 Jews a question, you get 100 opinions. Some are far right. Some are extreme left. Some are in the middle. And most just want to daven, eat supper, and put the kids to bed.

So how do communal decisions happen?

Usually through inertia and power.

The people with money or influence make decisions.

The rabbi may advise, but doesn’t control.

Everyone else goes along, unless something blows up.

That’s not cynicism. That’s how most communities function. And sometimes it works beautifully — when there is trust, transparency, and fear of Heaven. When not, it leads to resentment and dysfunction.

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So What Do You Do With All This?

If you’re in the 90%:

Don’t tune out completely. Even small engagement matters.

Back the people doing it right, even if they’re imperfect.

Remember: If you stay silent, you can’t complain later.

If you’re in the 10-15%:

Stay humble.

Know the difference between stewardship and control.

Don’t use the tzibbur for kavod or gain. The Torah sees everything.

If you’re a rabbi or leader:

Be transparent. Be accountable. Be real.

You carry the Torah — not your own agenda.

Remember that you’re not owed loyalty — you earn it by how you carry Hashem’s name.

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Final Thought: Ideal Language, Real Expectations and maybe this is specifically for living in the Land of Israel not in diaspora?!

The Torah speaks to an ideal nation: awake, engaged, God-fearing.

Reality is messier. Most people are tired, overworked, and barely staying afloat.

But the Torah doesn’t lower the bar. Instead, it raises individuals. One Jew at a time. One voice at a time. Until slowly, a kehilla emerges that mirrors the vision.

That’s how it’s always been. And that’s how it will be — until Mashiach, and beyond.

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