New Leaders Must Have Continuity With the Past, But Vision and Courage for a Brighter Tomorrow

In his 2015 book, Lessons in Leadership, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote: “Leaders must have the strength to know what they cannot be if they are to have the courage to be themselves.”

One must wonder if at any point over the past few weeks, this thought crossed President Joe Biden’s mind, as his ability to be the leader of the free world was put into doubt in the full glare of the public spotlight.

In a stunning turn of events, Biden announced this week that he will not seek re-election. The US political landscape, already tumultuous and chaotic, has been thrown into total disarray as Biden’s vice president, Kamala Harris, has been ushered in, totally unopposed, as the presumptive Democratic candidate.

The news of Biden’s sudden departure and Harris’s meteoric emergence as his replacement has sparked intense debate and speculation, leaving the American public and political pundits alike grappling with the implications of this unexpected shift.

For many, Biden’s decision to step aside marks a pivotal moment in American politics. Questions abound: What does this mean for Biden’s presidency over the next few months? If he feels himself incapable of running for election, how is he capable of running the country? And how will Harris fare against Donald Trump? Will this bombshell change of candidates energize or divide the Democratic base? Will the idea of a Harris presidency win over swing voters?

Amid the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the process of choosing a new leader is fraught with challenges and opportunities.

Throughout history, there have been leadership changes that not only shocked those they had led, but also left an indelible mark on the political landscape. One example much cited over the past few days is the resignation of President Lyndon B. Johnson in late March 1968, a decision he framed as an act of selflessness: “With America’s sons in the fields far away, with America’s future under challenge right here at home, with our hopes and the world’s hopes for peace in the balance every day, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office—the Presidency of your country. Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President.”

Johnson’s decision not to seek re-election amidst the Vietnam War was a turning point in American politics. The next president might have been Robert F. Kennedy, who was expected by many to win the election against former vice president Richard Nixon. But his assassination in early June left the Democratic Party in turmoil, and opened the door for Nixon’s stunning victory. Nixon’s win marked a significant shift in American political dynamics, influencing the course of the nation’s history for years to come.

Elsewhere, the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936 was a monumental event for Great Britain. Edward’s decision to abdicate in order to marry Wallis Simpson, a twice-divorced American socialite, resulted in his brother, George VI, ascending to the throne.

George VI’s leadership during World War II was crucial, as his resolve and moral integrity in the face of the Nazi threat to Britain contrasted sharply with Edward’s known sympathies for Nazi Germany. This shift in leadership undoubtedly influenced Britain’s posture and resilience when war with Germany broke out in 1939, and in the demanding years that followed.

Another notable, far more recent example of a dramatic leadership change is the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013. Benedict — who cited his advanced age and declining strength as reasons for stepping down — became the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years; the last pope who resigned was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415.

Benedict’s surprising resignation paved the way for the election of Pope Francis, a leader who has brought significant changes to the Vatican’s approach and policies. Pope Francis is known for his focus on social justice and his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church, an institution not known for its inclination to change.

Francis has initiated numerous reforms aimed at addressing issues like financial corruption, sexual abuse, and the role of women in the Church. His leadership style and priorities have marked a distinct departure from the far more conservative approach of his predecessor, bringing new optimism and direction to the Catholic community worldwide.

This small selection of historical examples illustrates how leadership changes can have profound and lasting effects on the trajectory of those being led. And as we watch the current unfolding political drama in the United States, these lessons from history remind us of the significance of this moment, and the potential impact of the choices that will be made in the coming months.

There is a powerful narrative about leadership transition in Parshat Pinchas that offers timeless insights. The Torah recounts the appointment of Joshua as Moses’ successor, a moment of great significance for the Israelite community. Moses indicated that he wanted God to gift the leadership to one of his sons, but it was not to be.

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch highlights the qualities that made Joshua the ideal candidate to lead the people into the Promised Land, emphasizing that Joshua was chosen not for his charisma or political savvy, nor because he had been the assumed leader should Moses step down. Even Moses had believed one of his own sons would replace him.

Joshua was neither the expected choice nor a flashy choice — the Midrash records that he was the one who prepared the study hall for sessions with Moses, a seemingly menial role. What made Joshua suitable was that he represented both continuity from the past, as the devoted disciple of Moses, and also, a change from the past and the hope for a better tomorrow. Moses was a great leader, but his time was up. The break from his era had to be palpable and real.

As we navigate this pivotal moment in American politics, the story of Joshua’s appointment is a powerful reminder that what hasn’t worked in the lead-up to this moment won’t change if we get more of the same. Effective leadership is not about maintaining the status quo but about ensuring continuity while also inspiring progress and hope for the future. In seeking new leaders, it is essential to find those who honor the values and lessons of the past while also having the vision and courage to lead toward a brighter tomorrow.

As the well-known American author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell so aptly stated, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Let us strive to find such leaders, who can guide us with wisdom, integrity, and the vision for a brighter future.

The author is a rabbi in Beverly Hills, California.