Rabbi Matthew Reimer on Exodus 3:11 – "Moses: Humility and Leadership"

Show Notes

Mark’s great friend, and the Rabbi who officiated at his wedding, Rabbi Matthew Reimer, joins him on the podcast this week. A native of West Orange, NJ, Rabbi Reimer was ordained in 2007 by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and has served as Senior Rabbi of Temple Sinai in New Orleans, the Rabbi for The Shul of New York, the Interim Rabbi for Port Jewish Center in Port Washington, LI, and Assistant and then Associate Rabbi at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey. He has chosen Exodus 3:11 to discuss with Mark today.

Matt begins the discussion by offering his advice regarding seeking truth especially in relation to that fateful ping-pong match, and then sharing the context of today’s passage and a summary of the passage itself. He and Mark then engage in an analysis of being fully present, showing up with humility, and Moses’ choice of noticing what others don’t. They also explore the nature of leadership, its relation to humility, and the concept of God and Moses in covenant with each other. As is the tradition, the podcast finishes with our guest sharing the lessons he has learned about mankind through his experiences. Listen in today to enjoy an episode where the level of insight and wisdom shared is rivaled only by the level of friendship and respect that is so warmly displayed between our host and guest.

Episode Highlights:

Matt’s advice regarding seeking truth particularly as it relates to a historic ping pong match
Today’s passage and its context
Being able to be fully present
Moses noticing what others don’t
What it means to show up with humility
God and Moses in covenant with each other
The nature of leadership
The lessons about mankind which Matt has learned

Quotes:

“There is this idea that Moses is inviting us to think about what it means to show up, what it means to be present.”

“It’s the all-present here.”

“I will be with you.”

“God doesn’t answer Moses’ question, he answers Moses’ real question.”

“The audacity of the assignment cannot be overestimated.”

“Know Before Whom You Stand.”

“There is a place for leadership to be not just chosen, but also taken.”

“Leadership can manifest itself in lots of different ways.”

“Always be happy and do good things in this world.”

“Always be yourself, unless you’re a schmuck, in which case be somebody else.”

Exodus 3:11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and free the Israelites from Egypt?” https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.3.11?lang=bi&aliyot=0

Links:

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