Parshat Vayikra- Admitting Wrong
by Rabbi Lobel

(Leviticus; Chapter 4: Verse 22) "When a leader sins, and commits one from among all the commandments of G-d that may be done, unintentionally, and becomes guilty."

During the times of the Mishkan and Holy Temple, if one sinned unintentionally, he brought a Korban Chatas - a sacrifice atoning his action. The same law applies to a leader that sinned, except a leader sacrifices an unblemished male goat while all of Israel atones with a young bull.

Rashi comments on the wording of the verse, "When a ruler will sin." The Torah uses the word "Asher" which is the root of the word "Ashrei"- to praise. Rashi explains that the Torah is praising the generation that has a leader who sets his heart to atone for his unintentional sin. Rashi continues, "how fortunate would a generation be if a leader would not only admit and atone for an unintentional mistake but would even admit his intentional sins?"

The Gur Aryeh (Maharal from Prague) comments and explains Rashi. The fact that a leader is able to regret his past actions, in a public setting, proves the fact that he is not embarrassed to admit wrong. The leader does not say to himself, "How could I confess? I am too important." A leader needs to be humble and not view himself above others. Certainly, a leader may not exalt himself due to his position. Therefore, the people are fortunate to have such a leader whose kingship will stand.

The Gur Aryeh makes the point that a leader will be successful if he posses this virtue. The Torah is not just writing this regarding our laymen public figures. The Torah is sending the message to even our most righteous leaders. It is self evident that such a character trait is hard to come by. Not admitting wrong, by itself, is a imperfection.

For the rest of us, being able to admit wrongdoing is necessary to build successful relationships with our friends, spouses, family, and children. We must have the ability to realize our imperfections.