“Victory within Leadership and Sovereignty” represents a profound transformation in our understanding of leadership and victory
In Judaism, Malchus is not a form of rule imposed from above; true kingship דווקא grows from below.
Unlike other traditions, where authority and victory are often achieved through power, dominance, or force, Jewish sovereignty flourishes only when people willingly choose to follow someone.
The true essence of Malchus is therefore a relationship that grows from below upward. This is powerfully expressed through the Torah shebe’al peh — the Oral Torah — through which we actively participate in shaping and living our tradition.
Yosef and His Brothers
This dynamic is clearly reflected in the story of Yosef and his brothers.
When Yosef shared his dream, they asked him:
“Will you indeed reign over us (HaMaloch Timloch)?
Or will you dominate us (Im Mashol Timshol)?”
The brothers questioned whether Yosef would become a leader voluntarily accepted — a melech (king) — or someone who would impose authority through force — a moshel (ruler).
True Netzach — true victory — does not emerge through oppression, but when people genuinely desire to follow a leader of their own free will.
That is the hallmark of authentic Jewish leadership.
Our greatest leaders — our sages and rabbanim — generally do not seek power. Often they must even be persuaded to accept positions of leadership. The community recognizes their greatness and asks them to lead.
Today’s Avodah
The spiritual task of Netzach shebeMalchus asks us to reflect deeply on both our relationship with others and our inner discipline.
Ask yourself:
- How can I inspire others to willingly follow my leadership — without coercion?
- How do I create an environment where my influence is welcomed rather than imposed?
- How do I govern my own inner world?
On a personal level, this means learning not to suppress our desires and emotions through force, but to harmonize them through inner balance.
That is the true meaning of Netzach:
A victory achieved not through overpowering, but through willingly directing oneself — and others — toward a higher purpose.
The Name of HaShem in the Month of Sivan
The holy ARIzal teaches that the Name of HaShem that shines during the month of Sivan is written as:
יו־הה
Reb Shlomo Carlebach zt”l explains:
- The Yud (י) represents the Light of HaShem.
- The Heh (ה) represents the vessel that receives this light.
- The Vav (ו) represents bringing this light down into this world.
- The final Heh (ה) represents the vessels within this world itself.
But in the month of Sivan — the month of Matan Torah — we stop calculating everything.
We stop asking:
- Am I truly ready?
- Do I have the proper “vessels”?
- Will I be able to stay up learning all night?
- Will I still be able to daven properly afterward?
Instead, we simply act.
יו
We leap into the Light of HaShem.
And afterward, HaShem Himself will provide the vessels.
הה
May we merit this.
A Thought for Day 46
After discovering what we are truly made of — literally the desire of HaShem — we are ready for the next profound step.
The numerical value of 46 is:
אלהי — “My G’d”
At first glance, it may seem bold to say: “My G’d,” as though HaShem belongs to us.
But once we understand what a true Adam is — a human being who seeks the deeper meaning of creation — we may say with reverence:
“My G’d,”
without any irreverence.
For the true “self” lives in harmony with the divine declaration:
“I am your G’d.”
We came forth from Him, and ultimately we will return to Him.
Our entire existence, our thoughts, and our actions essentially belong to Him.
Therefore, Elokai does not express ownership, but a deep sense of connection and belonging.
The Meaning of Day 46
Day 46 symbolizes the transition:
- from not knowing,
- to deep inner knowing,
- born from humility and awe.
This connection is not dependency, but an ongoing and yearning bond with HaShem.
The number 46 therefore symbolizes an eternal connection with HaShem through an unceasing longing for Him.
The Avodah of the Day: Connection to Torah — From Below to Above
The Positive
Embrace a Torah that strengthens you.
Study Torah today in a way you never have before, allowing your unique personality to find authentic expression within it.
HaShem can accomplish all things, yet the essence of our relationship with Him lies in our bechirah chofshis — our free choice.
Our greatest strength lies precisely in the freedom to choose Him willingly.
The Elevation
Be cautious of:
- ga’avah (arrogance),
- and spiritual laziness.
Realize that your role is indispensable in the divine “project” of revealing HaShem’s light within this world.
Recognize deep within yourself:
Your active participation is necessary in order to reveal His light and purpose in this world.
Kinyan Torah #46 – Learning in Order to Teach and to Act
(Lomed al menas lelameid vela’asot — לומד על מנת ללמד ולעשות)
Studying Torah for oneself alone possesses immense value.
But the deeper dimension of Torah reveals itself when we learn with the intention:
- to teach,
- and to act.
The Chachamim teach that one who studies with the intention of teaching others (lelameid) and of actualizing Torah through action (la’asot) attains a far deeper and more enduring connection to Torah.
When learning is directed toward sharing and application, Torah becomes less subjective and far more deeply internalized.
Reb Zusha of Anipoli
This idea is beautifully illustrated in the story of Reb Zusha of Anipoli zt”l.
His student experienced blessing when learning Torah without personal agenda, yet encountered difficulties whenever personal gain became the motivation.
Reb Zusha explained that divine assistance flows freely when a person’s intentions are truly pure and selfless: directed outward — toward learning, teaching, and action — rather than inward toward personal benefit.
True Torah Study
Our Torah learning must not remain limited to intellectual fascination.
It must penetrate:
- our thoughts,
- our words,
- and our actions.
The goal of true Torah study is:
- to transform ourselves,
- to elevate our surroundings,
- and to actively partner with HaShem.
Let us therefore learn Torah today with this deep intention:
that our learning will lead to inspiring teaching and transformative action.
