Parashat Yitro

February 14, 2025
16 Sh'vat 5785
PARASHAT YITRO
Exodus 18:1 - 20:23

Dear Friends,

It is Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees -- a day to celebrate the miraculous wonder of nature even though the weather is less than glorious. It seems that the challenge that we so often face is to celebrate all that is possible and all that is good in the face of darkness and difficulty.

As this minor holiday has gained traction, it has also gained in meaning. What began as a tax holiday in Mishnaic times is so much more. It is an opportunity to be reminded of the contract established at creation and reaffirmed after the flood that we are the guardians of the earth. It is a time to celebrate the mystery that is creation.

Trees are a deep symbol for us: a reminder of our connection to the Divine. We call the Torah, Eitz Chayim, a tree of life. It is our well-spring, our source, our go to. The wooden handles of the Torah scroll are called eitzim – trees. What is it about trees in particular that calls to us? Some of you may know that I have a favorite tree located in Wave Hill. It is a large, majestic tree whose roots are readily visible. It is a well-established tree and makes me think of an elephant. Its very existence is a source of comfort. I believe that our Torah has the capacity to play the same role for us and so much more.

This week’s Torah portion, Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23), has within it the giving of the Ten Commandments along with Moses being taught the importance of delegating authority by his father-in-law. These two contrasting themes within one Torah portion heighten our ability to recognize that which may sometimes appear a small matter -- how we speak to one another. In Yitro’s case, he didn't yell at Moses for the way in which he handled adjudicating cases among the people. After all, Moses' way of working meant that he would have had no time with his newly reunited family. Moses did it all without any assistance. Instead if yelling, Yitro framed his approach as serving both Moses and the people. “But this is not right,” retorted his father-in-law. “You will tire yourself and the people out. Now heed my voice, I shall advise you. You be a representative to God and teach the people of the path God seeks of them. Then find capable men who fear God and trustworthy men who spurn ill-gotten gain. Set these men over the people as chiefs of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Let them exercise authority over the people at all times. They will decide the minor disputes and bring the major disputes to you.” (Exodus 18:17-22) 

Yitro is a good leadership coach. The Torah portion continues with the giving of the Ten Commandments - pronouncements that serve as a guidepost of how we are to conduct ourselves in the world in large strokes. The details are to come later.

This notion of the many faceted nature of our guiding text is reflected by one of our core symbols, the seven branched menorah. Its description calls to mind an almond tree. Shabbat Shalom and may our roots branch out giving sustenance and support to those around us much as Yitro did for Moses.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Linda Shriner-Cahn