When One Wrong Turn Leads to Many
Imagine a regular guy—a regular, middle-class wanderer—taking a wrong turn on a poorly-marked road. He wanders off the path, goes a bit too far, maybe gets his shoes muddy. But, no big deal. All he’s lost is some time and a little dignity. He’ll find his way back, grumble about bad signage, and move on.
Now, picture a wealthy merchant—who never travels alone, of course. Behind him stretches a caravan of wagons laden with merchandise. If he takes the same wrong turn, the consequences are far greater. His mistake doesn’t just cost him time—it causes chaos for everyone. All those wagons, packed with goods, carve deeper ruts in the incorrect path, marking the wrong road as if it were the right one. Soon, everyone else following the same route is veering off, wandering through fields and wondering where they went wrong.
The Error of the High Priest
The Torah tells us that when the High Priest sins inadvertently, he must bring a special offering because he has "brought guilt upon the people" (Leviticus 4:3).
Why should his mistake burden the entire nation? It was his error, wasn’t it?
The answer is that leadership is never just personal. The High Priest is like the wealthy merchant. When he veers off course, others follow. He is the guide, the example, the road itself. His misstep does not remain his alone; it alters the moral landscape of the people.
That is why his atonement is not just for himself but for everyone. When those in positions of influence stray, even slightly, the effects ripple outward.
Because in leadership, even a small detour can send countless others in the wrong direction.
