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Why does the Torah (תורה) say Moshe should gather seventy "ish" rather than "anashim" for the Sanhedrin? The Midrash explains that "anashim" denotes stature and importance, while "ish" represents someone who doesn't project their greatness. True leadership requires profound humility - being extraordinary yet appearing ordinary.
This shiur explores a fascinating Midrash that questions why Hashem (ה׳) told Moshe to gather "seventy ish" rather than "seventy anashim" for the Sanhedrin. The Midrash explains that "anashim" is the language of prominence and stature (lashon hashivus), while "ish" represents something different entirely. Rabbi Zweig develops the thesis that "ish" represents someone who doesn't project their greatness or importance, even though they possess extraordinary qualities. The analysis draws on several key examples. "Hashem ish milchamah" - God as a "man of war" - represents the ultimate act of humility, where the Almighty chooses to fight wars rather than simply willing His enemies out of existence. "V'ha'ish Moshe anav me'od" shows Moshe as an "ish" precisely because despite being the greatest prophet, Torah (תורה) scholar, and leader in history, he projected himself as an ordinary person among the people.
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Parshas Beha'aloscha - Midrash on selecting seventy elders
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