Yitro - Listen & Take Sound Advice

Yitro – Listen & Take Sound Advice………..

The advice might just change the outcome into a positive!

Parsha (Torah portion) Yitro is in honor of Moses father-in-law, Yitro/Jethro for his contribution & advice given to his son-in-law Moses.  His suggestion that a judicial system be put into place, organized and adopted for the emerging nation that Moses is leading out of persecution and slavery to the Land of Milk & Honey.

Yitro/Jethro ‘had’ held a high position in the Pharaoh’s court system before the mass exodus, and he had the administrative skills to execute the most correct plan of action to include objective balance, efficiency, justice and a systematic policy.  He had the know-how and experience!

Moses was a bit concerned at first and had some hesitation with Jethro’s suggested system.  He was afraid that any system may disturb the people’s own individualism, as THEY just left a rigid system and would greatly disturb and have some sacrifice of each person’s Tzelem Elokim (One’s image of G-d in which we were created) and might alter the over-all efficiency.

Moses did indeed listen to his father in law as he knew it had sincere merit, and he thought about how to create such a judicial system in a divine manner that would not compromise the ‘value’ of each person.   He wanted to ensure one’s individualism was grasped and encompassed into the system. 

When studying/reading this Parsha, you can see the sensitivity that Jethro has when communicating with Moses, and understands his concerns. Jethro shares,  “And YOU shall make known to them the path on which they should walk and the actions that they should follow.”   It was vital the Hamtakas Hadin/Sweetness of Judgment be sincerely incorporated into the new judicial system.   

Moses did indeed hear, listen, and apply what Jethro shared, even with his struggles (that were addressed), he implemented a new judicial system. 

Systems are essential, as well as being adaptable to resolve conflicts and expedite matters, while still maintaining one’s individualism and respect.  We, as humans must develop our spirituality & loyalty to mitvots (Commandments, blessings), maintain sincere compassion for others, and meet our own responsibilities to our surroundings and to self.   

Today, we live in a society that is all encompassing and culture thereof; it parallels to the struggles that faced Moses in the wilderness.   We also must emotional escape to our own oasis of freedom, spirituality and the lessons we learn from Torah!