The parsha of Yitro (Jethro) is divided into two episodes. In the first (chapter 18), Israel receives its first system of governance – devolved to leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens – at the advice of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, whose name the parsha bears. In the second (chapters 19–20), it receives its eternal constitution by way of covenant with…
…personal and collective decision-making processes? Parsha in Passing Parshat Yitro opens up with a warm reunion between Moshe, his wife, his two sons and his father-in-law, Yitro. Yitro observes Moshe spending long days trying to help every individual who comes to him with questions and disputes, and he quickly understands that Moshe’s duties as a leader are too great for…
…all other nations: the proof is the intelligence of Yitro. God did not choose the Israelites because of their wisdom or intellect but because of His supreme kindness [hessed elyon] and his love of the patriarchs. This is all the more compelling according to the view that Yitro came before the giving of the Torah [there is a debate among…
The Ten Commandments are the most famous religious and moral code in history. Until recently they adorned American courtrooms. They still adorn most synagogue arks. Rembrandt gave them their classic artistic expression in his portrait of Moses, about to break the tablets on seeing the Golden Calf. John Rogers Herbert’s massive painting of Moses bringing down the tablets of law…
…by the Teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks The Parsha in a Nutshell Two pivotal moments in Jewish history take place in Parshat Yitro. First, Moshe’s father-in-law Yitro advises him to appoint a team of leaders, to help him with his workload. Second, Bnai Yisrael stand at Har Sinai and become a holy nation. It happens on the sixth of…
The Parsha in a Nutshell The parsha of Yitro contains two main stories. In the first story, Yitro (Moshe’s father-in-law, who is not Jewish) advises him to choose a large team of people to become leaders and advisers for the people, so he won’t get worn out being the sole leader of the people, and so that the people will…
…Look Rabbanit Fraenkel now shares her reflections on Rabbi Sacks and his writings on Yitro. What influence did Rabbi Sacks have on your own middot? Of all the many teachings I learned from Rabbi Sacks, what touched me most was a very personal sentence said by the Rabbi’s brother when he described him a month after his passing. Alan Sacks…
…during public prayer, should we none the less give them special honour when we read them from the Torah, whether on Shavuot or in the weeks of Parshat Yitro and Vaetchanan? Should we stand when they are being read? Maimonides found himself involved in a controversy over this question. Someone wrote him a letter telling the following story. He was a member…
…help. Right after Yitro leaves, Moshe breaks down – just like later, when his sister Miriam dies, and he loses his temper and hits the rock. We can surmise from this that – behind the scenes – Yitro and Miriam gave Moshe emotional support, perhaps more than we first realised. Leaders need support too; they can’t lead alone. The bigger…