In May 1782, as the American Revolution ebbed, Colonel Lewis Nicola sent General George Washington what has become known as the “Newburgh Letter.” The colonies had won their independence, but the future of the new nation was far from secure. Congress was weak, the economy unstable, and many feared that the fragile republic would not survive. Nicola proposed an extraordinary solution: Washington should become King of the United States.

Washington rejected the idea outright.

“If you have any regard for your Country, concern for your self or posterity—or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your Mind”

A year later, after gaining victory, Washington resigned as commander-in-chief and returned authority to Congress. King George III reportedly said that if Washington truly relinquished power, “he will be the greatest man in the world.”

Washington understood what history frequently forgets: leadership is measured not solely by gaining power, but by sharing it wisely.

Moshe Rabbeinu teaches much the same........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)