Abraham was not a conventional leader. He did not rule a nation. There was as yet no nation for him to lead. But he was the role model of leadership as Judaism understands it. He took responsibility. He acted; he didn’t wait for others to act. Of Noah, the Torah says, “he walked with God.” But to Abraham, God says, “Walk before Me,” meaning:
Be a leader.
Walk ahead.
Take personal responsibility.
Take moral responsibility.
Take collective responsibility.
- Rabbi Jonathan Sacks