Yom Kippur Forces Us to Look Within; Will We Do That This Year?
The late Leonard Cohen sings to IDF troops in the Sinai Peninsula during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Photo: Twitter.
Throughout history, physical stature has often shaped people’s perceptions of leadership. The belief that taller individuals are more commanding or “presidential” has long influenced how leaders are viewed, with the idea that a greater height equates to greater capability. Indeed, studies have shown that taller people are frequently assumed to possess qualities like confidence and authority, which can lead to an advantage in both politics and the corporate world. This emphasis on height seems almost absurd when we consider that true leadership is far more complex than what meets the eye.
Looking back through history, height has often been a striking feature of many notable figures. Abraham Lincoln, the tallest U.S. president at 6’4″, seemed to tower over his contemporaries both physically and metaphorically, embodying the spirit of leadership that defined his role in abolishing slavery.
Similarly, Thomas Jefferson, at 6’2½”, was exceptionally tall for his era, and his commanding presence undoubtedly amplified his influence as a Founding Father, shaping the nation’s early years. For both Lincoln and Jefferson, physical height seemed to enhance their image as strong, decisive leaders who stood head and shoulders above the rest.
And yet, this emphasis on physical stature isn’t a hard and fast rule when it comes to outstanding leadership. Franklin D. Roosevelt, although he stood at 6’2”, rarely stood at all due to the debilitating effects of polio that left his legs weakened. His greatness lay not in his physical presence but in his charismatic personality, his vision, and his ability to lead the nation through some of its most challenging times.
Likewise, James Madison, Jefferson’s immediate successor, was only 5’4”—a height only slightly below the average for his time—but much shorter than his 1808 election opponent, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, who was approximately 6 feet tall.
Despite the height difference, Madison won the election, becoming America’s shortest-ever president. He went on to become the “Father of the Constitution”, proving that good leadership is not the result of physical qualities, but is instead driven by intellect and statesmanship.
Interestingly, being tall hasn’t always been a recipe for success in presidential races. The tallest candidate in U.S. history, Winfield Scott, stood at 6’5”, yet he lost the 1852 election to Franklin Pierce, who was only 5’10”. Similarly, John Kerry, who is 6’4” tall, could not convert his height advantage into a victory, losing the 2004 election to George W. Bush, who is 5’11½”.
But while height and appearance often shape perceptions of leadership and a person’s inherent qualities, Yom Kippur invites us to consider quite a different measure of greatness. On this holiest day of the Jewish calendar year, we intentionally avoid physical comforts and distractions.
We desist from eating, drinking, washing, and engaging in physical intimacy—all activities that usually anchor us to the material world. Even our footwear is affected; we forgo leather shoes, a symbol of luxury, and many choose to wear only white clothes and avoid jewelry or other adornments to strip away the physical trappings that can distract us from the true essence of who we are.
This focus on the non-physical reminds us that our value is not in how we look or the material possessions we display, but instead, it is in our actions, our intentions, and our moral fiber. Just as Abraham Lincoln’s legacy wasn’t defined merely by his towering 6’4” frame but by his courage and integrity in leading a divided nation towards unity and virtue, on Yom Kippur we are reminded that great men and women are not necessarily those with an impressive physical stature or great looks, but those who stand tall in their principles and are true to their convictions.
Yom Kippur provides the ultimate contrast to society’s fixation on external traits. During the service, everyone stands together in prayer, shoulder to shoulder, regardless of height, wealth, or status. It is a day when all are equal before God, and the true measure of a person lies in their deeds, their humility, and their commitment to a future of self-improvement.
Unlike the world of politics, where a commanding physical presence might sway voters, God’s vote for us on Yom Kippur – the only election day that genuinely counts – is contingent on who we are on the inside.
So, as we reflect on the meaning of Yom Kippur, we would do well to see beyond the superficial judgments that so often dominate our society. We are challenged to recognize that the accurate measure of a person—whether it is ourselves or those we choose to follow—rests on a foundation of inner qualities. The greatest and most effective leaders are not always tall or conventionally attractive.
Sir Winston Churchill, with his jowly face and stocky figure, stood at just 5’7”, earning him the nickname “British Bulldog.” Yet, despite his diminutive size and rather average features, he commanded immense respect and managed to guide the free world through its darkest hours to triumph over Hitler—a man whose twisted ideology idolized physical perfection.
In the end, Yom Kippur calls us to rise above the trappings of physical appearance and superficial measurements of greatness. We are expected to aspire to become the best versions of ourselves, not by adding inches to our physical height but by expanding our capacity for compassion, honesty, and self-reflection. It is a day that reminds us that while the world may judge whether a leader is any good by how tall they are or by some other meaningless measure, God judges us by how tall we strive to be in our deeds and our dedication to doing what is right.
The author is a rabbi in Beverly Hills, California.
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