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Dvar for Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)

SP
Short, practical, relevant Weekly Dvar
Thu, Feb 1, 2018 5:39 PM

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Parshat Yitro describes Yitro hearing of the travels and trials of the
Jews, Yitro being moved to convert, coming to Moshe for the conversion, and
then leaving Moshe. If Yitro was so moved, why would he ever leave a
situation where he's surrounded by G-d, clouds, heavenly food, and Moshe as
a teacher? And how could Moshe, as a leader, allow Yitro to just leave the
camp?  After all, he was the only Jew not to have witnessed the giving of
the Torah.

Rabbi Leibowitz, in Majesty of Man, explains that Yitro was so moved by
G-d, the Torah and the Jews that he felt that he had to go back to his home
to try to convert his family and friends. Yitro was willing to give up
being surrounded by what he obviously believed in and wanted to be around,
just for the sake of others. If this was the determination of someone that
had no responsibilities toward the people he was trying to help (in terms
of converting them), how much more determination should we demonstrate when
we actually have a responsibility to help one another!? The Parsha is named
after Yitro because he was willing to change his life for Judaism. He was
so proud of Judaism that he didn't hide it, but went out and told others
how beautiful it is. If we expressed the Yitro that we undoubtedly have
within us, those around us are bound to be moved.

Shlomo Ressler


Quotation of the Week:
"Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is
returned."

This Lelamed Dvar is also available in your local App Store (iTunes and Android). I hope you enjoy and please share this Dvar... _______________________________________________ Parshat Yitro describes Yitro hearing of the travels and trials of the Jews, Yitro being moved to convert, coming to Moshe for the conversion, and then leaving Moshe. If Yitro was so moved, why would he ever leave a situation where he's surrounded by G-d, clouds, heavenly food, and Moshe as a teacher? And how could Moshe, as a leader, allow Yitro to just leave the camp? After all, he was the only Jew not to have witnessed the giving of the Torah. Rabbi Leibowitz, in Majesty of Man, explains that Yitro was so moved by G-d, the Torah and the Jews that he felt that he had to go back to his home to try to convert his family and friends. Yitro was willing to give up being surrounded by what he obviously believed in and wanted to be around, just for the sake of others. If this was the determination of someone that had no responsibilities toward the people he was trying to help (in terms of converting them), how much more determination should we demonstrate when we actually have a responsibility to help one another!? The Parsha is named after Yitro because he was willing to change his life for Judaism. He was so proud of Judaism that he didn't hide it, but went out and told others how beautiful it is. If we expressed the Yitro that we undoubtedly have within us, those around us are bound to be moved. Shlomo Ressler _______________________________________________ Quotation of the Week: "Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned."