The Mishna teaches us to “be as bold as a leopard … to fulfil the will of Hashem”. I aways understood boldness to be an attribute associated with assertiveness and presence, so I was surprised when on a recent trip to the bush, I experienced my first leopard sighting and it seemed to belie this description.
My wife and I were participating in the annual South African rabbinic conference which was held at the Kruger Gate Hotel, and included a late afternoon bush drive in the Kruger National Park. As the sun was setting, we were lucky enough to sight a leopard right on the road in front us. However, the excitement was short lived as the leopard shyly slunk away, disappearing into the bush as soon as we made a bit of a fuss at seeing it. This seemed anything but “bold”, but our guide explained that the boldness of the leopard is found in its willingness to take on prey and other predators much larger than itself.
This encounter provided me with a reflection point. I tend to think of character traits in polar terms. Boldness and humility aren’t often associated. We seem to have a negative correlation with brazenness and aggression and a positive correlation with amenability and acceptance. It was eye opening to witness the leopard, who displays both these qualities. The lesson that came to mind is that it’s not our natural traits that define us as good or bad, rather it’s how we develop these traits for positive or negative outcomes that define us.
I may be inclined to anger, and anger is usually seen as a negative characteristic. However, when correctly directed, anger can be an impetus for positive exchange. For example, anger at injustice motivates the move for justice. A loving nature is generally seen as a positive trait, but we all know that “too much” love can be stifling or lead to inappropriate indulgence. So, it’s not our natural traits that are good or bad nor do they define us as such, rather it’s how we develop them.
The well-known phrase “a leopard never changes its spots” is a direct derivation of the quote from our prophet, Jeremiah, who asked, “Can the leopard change its spots?” and is understood to mean that it’s impossible for one to change one’s character, even if one tries very hard. Many of us have bought into this message and self-define as either good or bad people based on our natural disposition. The message above is empowering, for it tells us we may not be able to change our innate characteristics, but we can choose how we direct and develop them.
This is the essence of teshuva, and an appropriate reflection and preparation for Rosh Hashanah. We need to know ourselves truthfully and always strive to improve our character to actualise our potential for good. The new year is a time to recommit and act towards this ideal.
