The Strength to Step Back: What My Wooden Book Holder (Shtender) Taught Me About Humility and Leadership

The Strength to Step Back: What My Shtender Taught Me About Leadership Parashat Shelach Lecha 2025/5785 In this episode of Torah from Boca, I share the story behind my humble wooden shtender—purchased in a basement shop in Jerusalem—and the verse I had engraved on it: “Moses was very humble, more than any man on earth.” That verse has shaped how I strive to lead. Drawing on Parashat Shelach Lecha, we explore how true leadership is not always about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about knowing when to speak—and when to make space for others to rise. From Moses to Hillel, from Caleb and Joshua to the leaders of today, we look at the sacred dance of humility and courage. Because sometimes, leadership isn’t about stepping up—it’s about stepping back.