Yitro Father Knows Best, & FAITH!

Yitro-  Father Knows Best, & FAITH!
January 29/30, 2016  Shevat 19/20, 5776

In this week's portion, Yitro, Moses' father-in-law, Jethro (Yitro) having heard of all the miracles and great news that G‑d helped the Israelites—brought along Moses' wife and two sons. Moses warmly greeted his father-in-law with the utmost love and respect. Yitro thanked G‑d for all the miracles!  

When Yitro arrives at the Israelite camp, he advises Moses to set up a functioning judiciary and legal system.  This would allow Moses to have less burden and/or work-load, that would definitely also allow him to teach Torah and her lessons to the people!!!  A true Mitzvah/Blessing!  It would also enable a true and fair system for the ‘society’.

Moses heard, listened, and adhered to his ‘father in law's’ advice and implemented it!  Not always easy to take advice from our parents, or others for that matter, but with age, and life’s experiences along the path and journey, hopefully good and solid experience is gained and shared!    Moses did indeed struggle at first, but he indeed put it ALL into practice and did as instructed and guided by his ‘parent’.

During the time, G-d called upon Moses to approach and climb up Mt. Sinai, and was given a true gift – The 10 Commandments:  G‑d spoke the Ten Commandments to the Israelite nation. They are: 1) Belief in G‑d. 2) Not to worship idols. 3) Not to take G‑d's name in vain. 4) To keep the Shabbat. 5) To honor parents. 6) Not to murder, 7) commit adultery, 8) steal, 9) bear false witness or 10) covet another's property.

The people, as well as Moses, and his brother, Aaron, were truly in awe!  The plan, that Yitro led and suggested, and advised was really coming into its own!

Sometimes, and many times in fact, it is very difficult to actually hear, listen, and adhere to advice, especially from somebody so close to us, such as OUR VERY OWN PARENTS!   #5 covered that – Honor your parents; besides honoring them, WE also must have a sincere faith even when we may not ‘feel’ or see the entire and BIG plan!  

Yitro gave a strong suggestion to Moses to follow and that coupled with a sincere faith in G-d, and an openness did indeed create a success, a true blessing for the people- ALL PEOPLE!