Parshat Yitro by Karen Knie-Cahana
Never underestimate the power of speech. Never undervalue the significance of hearing. Through a series of transformational dialogues in Parshat Yitro, we witness Bnai Yisrael evolve from a rag-tag roving refugee camp into an organized and a covenantal nation. It is via acts of speaking, hearing and acceptance that the Jewish People’s future will be operationalized and ennobled.
Notably, Parshat Yitro opens with the word, Vayi-shma, meaning “he heard”, as Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law and Midianite priest, arrives after “hearing” of G-d's wonders in freeing Bnei Yisrael from Egyptian bondage. Following a deep conversation about Yitziyat Mitzrayim, Yitro offers Moshe father-in-law-ly guidance. He warns Moshe that being a solo leader, mentor and arbitrator for Bnei Yisrael is unsustainable. (I digress: the term “lo tov” is used merely twice in Torah: 1) in Bereshit, when G-d says that it is not good for humans to BE ALONE –and 2) when Yitro tells Moshe, it is not good for leaders to WORK ALONE. Interesting!) By advising Moshe to appoint a system of judges to adjudicate the minor cases, Yitro demonstrates to Moshe how society is better served by good time management and justice uttered by many voices rather than one. This, Yitro advises, will lead to shalom. Moshe readily agrees. (18:1-27)
The narrative then moves to Har Sinai, where Moshe and G-d have a discussion, with G-d promising in exchange for Bnei Yisrael keeping the brit, making the Israelites an Am Segula (treasured people), Mamlekhet Kohanim (a kingdom of priests) and a Goy Kadosh (a Holy nation). When asked if they would agree, the Israelites respond to G-d’s proposal with a unified declaration: "All that G-d has spoken, we will do". This collective avowal of consent is the foundation of the brit, transforming a silent audience into communal active partners. The parasha describes how they follow G-d’s detailed instructions for preparation, cleansing, and boundary setting before hearing the actual law from ACTUAL G-d. Har Sinai itself and the Divine Presence is covered in a thick cloud with fire, smoke, thunder, lightning, while the shofar blasts. Witnessing this Sacred Spectacle was cause for trembling. (Interestingly, the Hebrew word for trembling here is haredim, the origin of the term for the Ultra Orthodox.) (19:1-25)
Finally, Parashat Yitro culminates in G-d reciting Aseret HaDibrot—the "Ten Utterances”. Note that this first time Bnei Yisrael receives the law, there is no mention of tablets. Unadulterated divine speech is heard directly by the entire nation. From the first word of Anochi HaShem self-revelation to the 10th commandment against coveting, these pronouncements provide the eternal guidance required for a holy life. By the end of Parshat Yitro, the people, overwhelmed by the intensity of the Divine voice, ask Moshe to speak on their behalf, establishing the prophet as the intermediary for all future words of guidance. (20:1-23)
May we always speak and listen to one another to guide us toward betterment and holiness.
Shabbat Shalom!
Karen Cahana