Send this to a friend Ismar Schorsch is the chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Nowhere does the Torah provide us with a single, well rounded profile of the figure who dominates most of its narrative. We, its readers, need to gather for ourselves the traits of Moses alluded to in piecemeal fashion into an integrated profile.
Plot mediates the contours of character.
Korah and his disgruntled flock rise in protest against the leadership of Moses, couching their case in democratic rhetoric. Long before Lord Acton, Moses was acutely mindful that power can readily corrupt, even religious leaders. And so was the Prophet Samuel. Samuel's discourse throbbed with angst. As his days drew to an end, he had reluctantly agreed to the public's urgent demand for the introduction of a monarchy.