Moses, you would think, was universally loved and accepted as leader. Who would dare question his leadership? How could someone challenge the man who led the people out of slavery?

And yet, Korach did exactly that. Korach was a wealthy man, a leader of the tribe of Levi. He came before the people and accused Moses of being too high and mighty. "It is too much for you!" said Korach. An alternative translation is, "You make yourselves too great."

And then, according to a rabbinical legend, Korach accused Moses of -- you guessed it -- having affairs. That one is usually political gold! It also seems to be completely off the wall, considering the holiness of Moses!

Sigmund Freud taught us the concept of "projection." This is a defense mechanism, whereby the person accuses another of the very flaws that he himself possesses. Somehow, by seeing someone else with the same negative traits, one can feel better about himself.

There are two motivations for leadership. One, the good one, is to be able to do good in the world. One wishes to lead because by leading they can actually change things. They are doing it "for the sake of Heaven." The other motivation is glory and honor.

What is the difference between the two? The first leader would be thrilled if his competitor succeeded in accomplishing everything that needed to be accomplished. True, he would then be out of a job, but he wouldn't care. He would find some other way to use his God-given talents and abilities. The second leader needs to not only have the glory of leadership, but the thrill of victory over an opponent.

A commentary on the Bible known as the "Kli Yakar," explains Korach's outlandish accusation of Moses and the affairs. He says that a leader of the second category needs to feel power over other human beings. After they have become accustomed to being the leader, it's often not enough power. How more to show power and authority over a man than to demonstrate control over his wife?

Korach was saying that Moses was a leader for ego reasons, and eventually would need to have affairs with other men's wives to satisfy that drive. Korach was projecting. And Moses responded in the most dramatic and effective way he could -- he fell on his face. In other words, he demonstrated his total humility, and gave his fate completely over to God.

Moses was a true great leader. Korach was a phony. We should always seek the leaders who have proven in their character and actions a devotion to God, and a devotion to service. In the best of all worlds, a leader needs to be dragged into leadership, just as Moses was. In our modern era of polls, slick campaigns, and Hollywood style imaging, a reluctant leader would be a true blessing.

I don't know what is in Obama's heart, but sometimes I wonder. My gut tells me that Bush was as sincere and devoted a leader as he seemed to be. Why is he so reviled by some?

Briefly, because this is another topic, I will explain. In three words: He was accused. By flinging mud at someone, no matter how clean they are, they get a little muddy. Korach threw mud at Moses, and caused a rebellion. Moses, of course, was squeaky clean, but mud does its thing. The amount and intensity of the mud that was thrown at George W. Bush is legendary.

It completely obscures the good character of a good man, who tried his hardest to make America a safe and prosperous place. Just look at the way people reacted to the good things -- and I mean things that any normal person of any party would admit are good -- that he did. There was always an accusation. "He did it for selfish reasons, for political reasons, because he owed someone a favor, etc..."

To summarize, a great leader ascends to leadership reluctantly, and does great things out of a need to serve. They have faith in God, love and respect for all other humans. They are not immune to the poison darts of others, and sometimes even more susceptible because of their very innocence. A wise people will choose this kind of leader every time.